Gareth Thomas is staying at Halstead Town after turning down a seven-day approach from their Thurlow Nunn League division one rivals Haverhill Borough.

Thomas has spent several months out of Halstead action due to injury, but returned for their 1-1 draw against AFC Sudbury Reserves last weekend and made a crucial goal-line block that helped preserve the Humbugs’ share of the spoils.

So boss Mark Benterman was delighted to see an important member of his squad return and also that he would be staying at Rosemary Lane.

“We’ve now had three people turn down approaches by Haverhill Borough and all three are people who live in that town. It’s a bit strange to make an approach for someone who hadn’t played for eight weeks through injury, but Gareth decided to stay with us.

“Perhaps people outside the club don’t know what’s going on, but Gareth Thomas is someone who knows what we are about and I’m delighted that he’s staying.”

One piece of less positive news, though, is that Nico Farthing may be missing for tomorrow’s home game against Debenham LC after dislocating his shoulder against Sudbury.