Three first-half goals meant Halstead Town's return to Thurlow Nunn League division one action wasn't a happy one as the humbugs lost 3-0 against Great Yarmouth Town.

Halstead hadn't had a game for two weeks, but the injury problems they had prior to their enforced break continued and helped ensure their clash against the visitors from Norfolk was unprofitable.

Boss Mark Benterman said Yarmouth deserved their win, but added that he had spoken to fans to explain the ongoing injury difficulties and feels they have to keep working hard to stay in the promotion race through a tricky spell.

He said: "I'd personally like to thank the fans who spoke to me in the bar and were fully understanding on the situation at the club, which is very difficult at the moment but we must stick together and work through it.

"In the 20 league games to date I haven't been able to put the same 11 out on more than two occasions through injuries and unavailability.

"Compared to last season we had the same 16 for every game and we all know that consistency is the key to success.

"It's no excuse, just the facts and we have to deal with it and perhaps losing two more today makes it even harder.

"But we will collectively continue to work hard to try and turn it around."