TOM Holdstock is poised to make his long-awaited comeback for Halstead Town.

The striker has served an eight-match suspension and is available for tomorrow’s Thurlow Nunn League division one match at King’s Lynn Reserves.

Holdstock was sent off and given a lengthy ban after kicking the ball at the referee, during the Humbugs’ 5-1 defeat at Stowmarket on September 12.

However, he made his return for the reserves on Tuesday night, managing 70 minutes.

“Tom looked phenomenal - fit and sharp,” said manager Mark Benterman.

“He’s ready to go and he’ll be back into the squad tomorrow.

“Cameron Storie has scored in the last couple of games, so it’ll be hard to dislodge him.

“But it’s certainly great to have him back because I believe he’s one of the best strikers in the whole league, if played in his favoured position through the middle.

“Tom always works hard and he’s so passionate about the game.

“He got carried away and has been punished for it.

“It’s difficult because you don’t want to lose that passion or desire, because he plays with real heart and on the edge.

“He has to control himself but you don’t want to take that away from him, because it’s a real quality when channelled correctly.”

Another familiar face could be in the squad tomorrow, with defender Ricky Spriggs having re-signed from Haverhill Rovers.

The centre-half had a successful loan spell last season.

“Ricky wants to enjoy his football again and it’s great to have him back,” said Benterman.

“He’s a leader and a winner and we hope to get the best out of him again, as we did last season.”

Halstead will be looking to bounce back from last week’s 4-1 defeat against Leiston Reserves.

They will now be looking to bounce back at The Walks against a King’s Lynn side that are a point above the fourth-placed Humbugs.

“We need to go there and get three points and can’t afford to lose,” added Benterman.

“It’s been a solid start but now it’s time to push on and move up a notch.

“If we can put a run together, we could put ourselves in a really strong position by Christmas.”