Halstead Town manager Mark Benterman is setting his sights on a top four finish in the Thurlow Nunn League division one this year.

The Town boss has seen enough from his young players’ progression through the last campaign and during their summer pre-season fixtures to show him that they can be pushing for the top end of division one this year.

Benterman said: “We are looking to get into the top four in division one this year because what we did last season was a great achievement.

“We lost 22 players over the course of the season to clubs like Cornard, Stanway and Braintree, but we had good young players still coming through and now we’re looking to push on.

“Realistically, if we can get into the top six, we won’t be too short of going up into the premier division.”

Halstead continue their summer fixtures at Sussex County League division one side Hailsham Town today.

Meanwhile, Brightlingsea Regent head to Long Melford for a pre-season game, Wivenhoe Town host Border League champions Gas Recreation and Stanway Rovers entertain Heybridge Swifts under-21s.

Heybridge Swifts' first team match at Whitton United has been cancelled.