Halstead Town manager Mark Benterman believes tomorrow’s FA Vase first qualifying round tie against Haverhill Rovers is a chance for his team to show their Thurlow Nunn League premier division credentials.

The Humbugs boss has made no secret that he wants his team to be promoted into the top flight this season and they have made a great start to the campaign, with last weekend’s 3-0 win against Needham Market Reserves keeping them top of division one.

It means they head into the Vase tie at Rosemary Lane (kick-off 3pm) full of confidence and Benterman feels facing a side who are already an established premier division club will give his players a chance to show that they are good enough to step up themselves.

“We know we can be a premier division side, but this gives us a chance to showcase our abilities,” he said.

“I think it will show how good we are.

“The players are full of confidence at the moment and while it’s my job to keep their feet on the floor, we’re going into the Vase game with a buoyant atmosphere."

See this week's paper for the full version of this story.