JUSTIN Bennett believes the play-offs are a realistic target despite Salisbury’s dip in form.

The striker, who dons the number 10 shirt, has been part of Whites’ disappointing run, which has seen them just win one of their last five games in all competitions.

Their latest defeat arrived on Saturday in their heartbreaking exit of the FA Trophy – a competition Bennett reached the final of with Gosport Borough in 2014.

And on Tuesday, Whites were held to a 2-2 draw with Swindon Supermarine in Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West, having led 2-0 at the break.

“We need to focus on the league,” he said.

“We’re out of the big two cups, we have to focus on the league and the minimum is play-offs.

“If we get on a run, which we did at Gosport and went 23 games unbeaten, we are more than capable of doing that at this level and that is the aim.”

Bennett was struggling to start in the first XI but has been selected in the last three games alongside striking partner Tommy Wright.

Bennett added: “I was frustrated because I had scored a few goals and then was dropped to the bench because Steve [Claridge] wanted to play one up top.

“I cannot begrudge him playing Tommy because he’s scoring pretty much every game. But I just felt when Tommy and I play we both seem to score.

Luckily, we both scored on Saturday but have conceded three goals.

“I’m getting a bit more gametime and I think I’m doing all right."

Despite the lack of starts, Bennett admits he's never considered quitting his hometown club and going elsewhere for regular starts.

"I came here to play and was frustrated at not playing. I don’t think I was ever looking at going elsewhere," said Bennett, Gosport's all-time record scorer.

"I came here for a reason, and those reasons are still there. It’s local to me, and I wanted to come here and do well for my local city and achieve something. Whilst I was frustrated not to play, I don’t think I ever really considered going."

"My work life balance is so much better. I can come home from work, have a cup of tea and then come to football training. Whereas before, I’d be changing at work and head straight onto the motorway, stuck in traffic. My life is a lot better and easier to manage these days."

Whites head to Larkhall Athletic on Saturday (3pm), looking for a first away win in the league since AFC Totton on August Bank Holiday Monday.