HALSTEAD Town manager Mark McLean believes his spirited players have the character and resilience to realise their promotion dream this season.

The Humbugs are fourth in Thurlow Nunn League first division south but had to do it the hard way after snatching a last-gasp winner to beat struggling Newbury Forest 4-3 on Saturday.

Jamie Baker hit their 89th-minute winner - just a couple of minutes after being pegged back to 3-3.

McLean believes that fighting spirit can be a key ingredient during the rest of the campaign - starting with tonight's match at May and Baker.

"It's hard to describe the emotion when you're involved in a game like that," said the Humbugs boss.

"The ups and down were unbelievable.

"It was a rollercoaster and it felt great to win, because we knew how important a game it was.

"Newbury Forest might be second from bottom but they're a better side than their position suggests.

"It was a potential banana skin, without doubt.

"But I can't fault the character of my players, who always keep going and fighting to the bitter end, regardless of the scenario they find themselves in.

"I know they'll always give their all and no-one ever throws the towel in."

After falling behind, goals from Conor Scurlock and Hassan Ayten, from the penalty spot, put Halstead 2-1 ahead.

Forest levelled but Chris Harris quickly netted to put the Humbugs 3-2 ahead.

The hosts scored again three minutes from time, for what they presumably thought had secured them a share of the spoils.

However, Baker's last-gasp winner made it a happy journey back up the A12.

"It's strange because it always seems to be that kind of game against Newbury Forest," added McLean, whose side have a Tolleshunt D'Arcy Memorial Trophy tie at home to Saffron Walden Town on Tuesday.

"Last season we beat them after scoring from the last kick of the game and it finished 5-4.

"This was a bit of a mirror image, although this time it was 4-3.

"Despite the close scoreline, I always thought we were the better side.

"It felt like we were in control and despite our winner coming so late, it was a very deserved victory."

Looking ahead to tonight's game, McLean added: "It's such a competitive league but we're in a good position.

"It's been a tough run of games but only losing one of the last eight is a great record and something to be proud of.

"May and Baker will provide a real challenge as they haven't lost for a couple of months.

"Their home form is very good but our away record is excellent.

"Last season we were unbelievable on the road and this season has been similar, bar a couple of results.

"It has the makings of being a very tough, competitive match and we're looking forward to it."