FOOTBALL makes a much-awaited return to the Milbank Stadium this Saturday when Halstead Town play their first game in over a month, writes GRAHAM DOVER.

The players have been asked to maintain their fitness during this period of inaction with the club setting a programme of weekly challenges for them to complete.

At their first training session after the lifting of restrictions, manager, Mark McLean and his coaching staff took the opportunity to access how successful they have been and to begin planning his starting line-up.

He will be expecting his team to hit the ground running when the referee’s whistle sounds at 3pm.

Brimsdown are the visitors in a first division league game that the home side really need to win to maintain any hopes of promotion this season.

Apart for a need of points on the pitch the club is also hoping for a good attendance to bring in some much-needed revenue.

Many businesses and organisations are suffering financially at the moment and they are no different.

For new chairman Carl Pearse this has been a baptism of fire.

This will be only the third match the club has played during his nearly three months at the helm.

He is asking the club’s many supporters to come to the game and help the club at this difficult time.

The club will maintain its strict compliance with the current Covid rules although the club’s Covid officer, David Williamson, sees no reason why this should affect people’s enjoyment of the game.

Hot drinks will be available for sale and the bar will be open for outside service only.