There will be no half measures from Halstead Town as they switch their attentions to Thurlow Nunn League First Division Knockout Cup action today.

The Humbugs are due to host Downham Town in a quarter-final tie at Rosemary Lane (kick-off 3pm).

And while their principal focus this year is gaining promotion from Thurlow Nunn League division one, manager Mark Benterman won’t allow his team’s foot to come off the gas.

He said: “One thing I have learned in my three years in charge is that I want to win every game – no matter what the competition.

“That’s something that I don’t feel wasn’t there in the first two years, but it is now and this competition is very important to us.

“We got to the semi-final last year and we want to go even further this year.

“We all know that January is a big month for us and I include this game against Downham in that.

“We have a lot of things to fight for and want to be in that semi-final again.

“I believe we have the squad to do that.”

Halstead have been hit this week by news that goalkeeper Luke Banner has broken his finger and is likely to miss the majority of or perhaps all of the rest of the season, so Benterman has been looking for a replacement.

He added: “Losing Luke is a massive blow to us and he’s likely to be out for the rest of the season.

“It does mean we’re looking for a keeper and we’ve not been passive.

“I’m hoping to have someone in place for the weekend, but we do have our under-18s keeper, Tom Williamson, to step in if he’s needed.

“We will be happy to put him in there, but it may be tough for a 17 or 18 year old to step straight in on the big stage of a cup quarter-final.

“We have to make sure it doesn’t hurt his development, but it is in the club’s character to give young players a chance.

“Tom has played a few games at senior level and I have no qualms about putting him in, but we may need to get someone in with a bit more experience.

“So we are in discussions with a number of clubs and fingers crossed, we can get someone in.”

One new addition that has already been confirmed, though, is young winger James Norris, who has joined this week from Chelmsford City.

“James has come in from Chelmsford City and we feel he is just what we’re after,” said the Humbugs boss.

“He is a young, quick winger and that’s an area where we need that as we are lacking a bit of pace out wide.

“We have Tom Holdstock back firing now and Sam Cripps has had a great impact so we have to make sure we are providing the ammunition for them.

“It’s a permanent move and James is very keen to come to us.”

However, a move for Witham Town striker Jordan Pavett will not be going ahead now and Benterman added that he is still looking for a few more players to bolster the squad and add depth in a few areas.