Halstead Town manager Mark Benterman is happy with how his players are “stepping up” as they look to build towards a Thurlow Nunn League division one promotion push next season.

Benterman admits this season has been a tough one after losing a number of his squad and having a difficult run of injuries throughout it, so he has been heartened by how his players have been performing as the campaign draws to a close.

They have impressed their boss in the last few games and got rewarded with a 1-0 win against Leiston Reserves last weekend, so will be looking to continue that form when they host Debenham LC at Rosemary Lane today (kick-off 3pm) and head to AFC Sudbury Reserves on Easter Monday (kick-off 3pm).

And Benterman is pleased with how his plans are shaping up for next season.

“I’m happy with how things are developing,” he said.

“We’ve already had a few people contacting us, wanting to come over, but I’m looking to bring in people with the right characteristics.

“The lads here now are all saying they want to stay, so we’re pleased with how it’s all coming together.

“Had you said to me last August that we’d be finishing the season in the way that we are with the squad that we’ve got then I’d have said that you were delusional.

“But I’m very excited and a bit shocked really by what I’m seeing and how people have stepped up to the plate."