Mark Benterman said he has full faith in Halstead Town goalkeeper Luke Banner.

Humbugs manager Benterman admitted that keeper errors by Banner and others who have pulled on the number one shirt this season have cost a number of points so far this season.

The last two games – against Great Yarmouth and Haverhill Borough – have seen goals conceded after mistakes by Banner, however, Benterman said his keeper has also made outstanding saves to keep Halstead in both games.

So he has full confidence in his current number one, who turned down a move to Ryman League division north side Witham Town earlier in the season, and is backing him to help them push for Thurlow Nunn League division one promotion this year.

“It’s very hard to judge a goalkeeper because if they make a mistake it usually leads to a goal whereas an outfield player will tend to get away with it,” said Benterman.

“However, I think it’s fair to say that over the last seven to 12 games, goalkeeper errors have cost us.

“You can’t deny it because it has happened and Luke put his hands up when he has made mistakes, but we will keep faith with him.

“He has pulled off fantastic saves after making mistakes to keep us in games and he’s a confident lad, but we have to keep that confidence up.

“I actually feel he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the league.

“He showed that in the first eight games of the season, before he had his injury, so we will keep faith with him and he has our full backing.”