REAL Milan FC assistant manager Zufran Asghar believes that his side can win the Thames Valley Premier Division this season.

Milan finished runners-up to Wraysbury Bentons last year, and lost 5-1 to the defending champions on the opening day of the new campaign.

Asghar admits that his team got off to a ‘horrible start’ but insists they have enough quality to challenge for the title.

Speaking exclusively to the Observer, he explained: “It’s about keeping the belief and I believe that we can beat anyone on our day.

“We’re a good side who have bounced back well and progressed in every game. We’ve just got to keep going until May.

“We’ve rotated a lot, every player involved with the club has had a game, and the general feeling is positive.

“This time last season we were unbeaten in the league but the morale wasn’t the same. It’s much better than it has ever been now.

“There are a lot of teams out there who can win the league but it’s about going on a consistent run.

“Last season it was in our hands but we slipped up and let Wraysbury in. I think we have enough to overtake them now.

“Everyone is capable of fighting for a position in the team and we like competition.

“I think that it will go to the wire this season. It’s about the players attitude and belief that they can do it.” Milan had to settle for a 1-1 draw at current unbeaten league leaders New Windsor Social Club on Sunday.

The visitors were unlucky not to take a first-half lead as Tony Mendy broke clear and saw a shot come back off the post.

The loose ball fell to fellow striker Aaron Fergus, whose close range effort was cleared off the line.

Milan kept up the pressure in the second-half and took the lead when Mendy slotted home from an Owen Richardson cross.

However, the goal did not deter New Windsor who levelled as Adam Macnamara beat the offside trap and slid the ball home.

Asghar commented: “We were disappointed not to get the win because we thoroughly dominated the game and created more chances.

“We have to focus on the positives, and take encouragement from the performance and attitude of the players.

“We had a squad of 18 and that was minus our three big players. The main thing is we still put out a strong side.

“We matched New Windsor but we just couldn’t score more goals. Their goalkeeper (Sam Richards) had a good game.

“New Windsor are a confident side and defended well. They are resolute and fight for each other.

“They’re well organised and showed why they are top of the table. Adam Macnamara can score goals despite being on the periphery of the game.” **PICK up a copy of the Observer, out now, for all the latest sports news and action including pictures from New Windsor versus Real Milan** **FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter at @Observer_sports**