HALSTEAD Town manager Mark McLean was delighted with his team’s performance in their 3-1 FA Cup victory against Essex Senior League side, Ilford on Wednesday night.

He thought that after a slow start his team responded well, played good football and thoroughly deserved the result.

Initially, the game didn’t go to plan and in the early stages Halstead had found themselves under pressure and conceded the opening goal within five minutes of the kick-off.

But once his team got on the front foot, Mclean said they started to take control of the game and after scoring two goals in the latter stages of the first half and a third immediately after the restart he thought there would only be one winner.

In the next round of the Cup the Humbugs have again been handed an away fixture and will travel to Southern League Central Premier league side, Leiston on Saturday 12th September.

But before that match, thoughts must now turn to this coming Saturday and the opening Thurlow Nunn league game of the season when Athletic Newham are the visitors to the Milbank stadium.

Last season this club was known as Lopes Tavares and the Humbugs had mixed fortunes against them, winning comfortably at home but losing on the road.

McLean is expecting a tough battle against what he considers a very good team and wants to take the momentum and energy from the FA Cup victory into this match.

The game kicks-off at 3pm and once again spectators are welcome to attend. Covid-19 safety procedures will be in place for the safety of everyone attending.

Already there are a few minor injury problems at the club but McLean feels that this season he has the strength in depth in his squad and will not be rushing any players back before they are ready.

Looking further ahead Halstead have an FA Vase tie away to Hackney Wick which was due to be played on Saturday, September 19.

But as this club now ground share with Witham FC who have a fixture themselves on that day, the match has been rescheduled for 24 hours later on Sunday, September 20.