The ambition of Halstead Town’s committee has persuaded Mark Benterman to sign up for another campaign as Humbugs manager.

While there are still Thurlow Nunn League division one promotion issues to be resolved before the end of this season, Benterman is delighted that he will be at the helm for a fourth year after agreeing terms with the club.

It came in a week that saw the Humbugs stage a remarkable comeback to win against Stowmarket Town at Rosemary Lane before triumphing 4-0 in their local derby at Cornard United in midweek to keep their promotion dreams alive.

Sitting just two points outside division one’s top three with two games to go – ahead of Saturday’s free-entry home fixture against King’s Lynn Town – they will continue pushing this season, but Benterman is pleased to be on board again for next year.

“In my first year in charge we got 71 points and we have 72 now so we’ve gone past my best finish and have reached the target that I felt should get you up,” he said.

“It’s just unfortunate that there are three other teams doing so well this year.

“There are still six points to play for and unfortunately it may not see us over the line, but I think you are seeing now a side who are gelling.

“We had a meeting this week and we have agreed things for next year, but I think you are seeing now a select group that can be very successful over the next few seasons if we all stick together.

“I have agreed terms with the club now. I wanted to see what the club’s ambition was and that was important for me because the players have agreed to stay.

“So it was about the club having the same ambition and I’m glad to say they clearly do.

“In fact I probably got more than I expected.

“The chairman and the board have done fantastically well.

“I think what they have seen this year is that the fans don’t want to be in division one, but we have to be competitive.

“People can talk about budgets, but we know we’ll be there or thereabouts next year just by keeping the squad together.

“They want to stay so we had to make sure that it was financially viable and possible and we’re very excited to have got things sorted.

“It’s just a shame that this season is ending soon as another four or five games would make for a nice little run-in.

“We can’t argue with one defeat in 15 as we’ve had a terrific run since Christmas and we want that to continue and take it into next season.”

Meanwhile, Benterman said the club would be appealing against the red cards issued to Sam Cripps and Jordan Pavett in their win against Stowmarket last weekend.

Cripps was dismissed after receiving two cautions in quick succession, while Pavett went late in the game for using foul and abusive language, but Benterman said the club felt there were grounds for both to be rescinded.

“The club is going to appeal both (of the sending offs),” he added.

“That should allow them both to play in the final two games of the season.

“If we lose the appeals, Sam will probably be out for a couple of games at the start of next season and Jordan is moving to America anyway, although we are hoping to get him back when he comes back in November or December.”