MANAGER Mark McLean says Halstead Town's focus must be on gaining as many points as they possibly can before the conclusion of the Thurlow Nunn League division one south season to give themselves the best possible hope of getting promoted.

A 5-1 win against Holland FC last weekend took the Humbugs back up into the top two in the division one south table.

A finish there would usually ensure promotion, but McLean said this year may be different as only the top side from all step six leagues around the country are guaranteed moves up.

Out of those finishing second in all the leagues, the top few with the highest points-per-game ratios will also go up, so a top-two placing in itself may not necessarily be enough and McLean said all the focus was on amassing as many points as possible between now and the end of the campaign.

"We don't know what's going to happen at the end of the season," he said. "Nobody knows.

"It may just be the top side who are promoted and if that's the case, it will be very harsh on whoever is second.

"It will all come down to who has the highest points-per-game ratio and with our league being possibly the most competitive step six division in the country, it makes it very difficult.

"But it keeps you concentrated as you know that every point could be crucial.

"We don't know how many points will be needed so we just have to go out trying to win every game.

"It's always been my aim to win the league and that hasn't changed but you usually have a fall-back in that you know there is still a chance for promotion even if you don't win.

"That isn't the case this year as no-one knows and it could be very harsh on whoever is left in second spot.

"With how many teams are involved in the title race, it's making it very exciting, but there's the added twist with the amount of times teams up there are having to play each other.

"It's incredible the way it has worked out."