Time is fast running out for Paul Grimsey and his Halstead boys.

Without a fixture due to postponements, more damage was done to Town's chances of survival in the Jewson League premier division last weekend and in midweek as both Tiptree United and Harwich and Parkeston picked up points.

Halstead's problems hark back to the beginning of November which is, incidentally, the last time they tasted victory.

Long-term injuries have plagued the club, and without a large budget to allow a big squad, Grimsey has been stretched to say the least.

They sit bottom of the table, two points below Warboys having played three games more, and it is going to take a minor miracle if they are to avoid the drop.

But despite defeat after defeat, Grimsey remains optimistic. "The morale in the camp is still high, and the boys are still up for the challenge ahead," he said.

"We have been hit with injuries all season. I know it sounds like the same excuse every time, but we really have suffered. We have also been playing some good stuff in games, but losing by the odd goal.

"We have got to start picking up points. We have got 12 games left, and there are some tough ones in there. But there is still a long way to go and the situation can soon be turned around.

"The boys have been brilliant, but they have not had a lot of luck, although there have been some self-imposed defeats."

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Halstead's recent rest has worked wonders on the squad, and Grimsey has no less than five players returning from injury.

James Keeble, Stef Kendall, Andy Gooderham, Glen Revell and Justin Pearce should be available for tomorrow's visit to Stowmarket.

Grimsey said: "I'll have a near full squad, which is a luxury I've not enjoyed for a long time.

"We have a lot of quality in the squad, and if we can get a result at Stowmarket, it might spark a charge up the table.

"I've got a great bunch of lads, there are no superstars and they all work hard for each other.

"Maybe we need a couple of new players, but my budget doesn't allow it.

"There are a few teams in the division that have a lot of money to spend, but we are not one of them, and we have to try and compete. It's not easy, but money doesn't guarantee success. If we can get on a winning run, I'm confident we can beat any team on our day.

"It's just getting the first win that is proving elusive. We just need a bit of luck."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.