Halstead Town boss Paul Grimsey is backing his in-form side to clinch the Jewson League division one title.

The Rosemary Lane outfit cross the Essex-Suffolk border to play Long Melford.

Grimsey's men have beaten the Suffolk Senior Cup winners three times already this season - once in the league and twice in the division one knock-out cup.

Victory will gift Halstead the championship and an upbeat Grimsey said: "Melford are a good side and have some good players but if we play to our potential, I'm sure we will win.

"We've beaten them 1-0 (twice) and 2-0, so I'm confident we can add to that."

Halstead are coming off the back of an 8-2 win over Downham on Saturday.

Former Colchester United Simon Atangana bagged four goals in that easy victory and Grimsey said: "He's made a tremendous difference since he joined.

"His pace, control and touch have been superb and he's been a great signing."

Atangana will be hoping to be among the goals tonight as Melford have a problem in goal.

Player-manager Darren Pratt, usually a centre-forward, has been forced to fill in for former Tiptree United keeper Sid Haygreen, who suffered a rib injury last month.

But Grimsey said: "We won't be changing our normal game plan by just slinging the ball into the box."

Published Tuesday, April 29, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette