HALSTEAD Town were 3-0 winners at bottom side Haverhill Borough in Thurlow Nunn League first division south, writes KEN GILLIARD.

The Humbugs knew it was going to be anything but an easy game, with their hosts maybe not picking up the points their recent performances have merited.

Halstead came off the back of a win at Cornard and made two changes to the starting line-up.

Joe Thomas and Kane Gilbert both returned to don the black and white shirt again.

The game sprung to life on 13 minutes when the visitors took the lead.

A great through ball found Adam Hampson and he made no mistake, as he slotted passed Charlie Bell in the hosts' goal.

Halstead added another just five minutes later as a slick move saw Jordan Pavett play in Alfie Cleal down the right.

He found Jake Brown who calmly placed the ball into the back of the net to give the Humbugs a two-goal advantage.

Halstead were in control of the game at this point and were creating chances, with Pavett finding the back of the net.

But the assistant referee's flag brought the celebrations to an end.

Minutes later Pavett was again caught offside when well-placed as Halstead looked to add to their tally then Hampson almost did just that.

But his effort was off target following a ball in from Gilbert.

The remainder of the half saw little goalmouth action and the two sides had their 15 minute breather, with Halstead holding a two-goal advantage.

Halstead started the second half brightly and were looking to extend their lead.

But for the second time in the match they were denied by the assistant’s flag when getting the ball into the back of the net.

This bright start to the half continued as Halstead dominated play but it wasn’t until 20 minutes of the half had elapsed that there was more goalmouth action.

Thomas put Cleal through from a quickly-taken free-kick but the latter fired wide of the target.

This was quickly followed by Cleal having another shot blocked, following good work from Gilbert.

Gilbert was enjoying his return to his hometown club and after leaving a couple of defenders in his wake saw his effort go wide of the mark, although moments later he surely would have added another, but Pavett beat him to the ball and put it wide.

As the game neared the final whistle it was Halstead who continued to press and Hampson almost found a way through but again his effort was just off target.

And then, with the clock ticking down, keeper Jack Cherry's long clearance put Cleal through bu Rhys Shulver's last-minute challenge stopped him in his tracks.

Halstead were now posing a constant threat with Gilbert close to getting the goal his performance deserved.

Garry Burdett’s header was then just off target and it seemed a third was not to be.

However, in the final minute some great movement and passing saw Cleal put through and he wrapped up the Humbugs' victory.

That was the last action of the game and Halstead returned with a valuable three points in their play-off push.

Halstead Town: Jack Cherry, Ryan Carter, Matt Travell, Garry Burdett, Jack Schelvis, Joe Thomas, Jake Brown, Alfie Cleal, Kane Gilbert, Adam Hampson, Jordan Pavett. Subs: Greg Strong, Louis O’Sullivan, Jordan Palmer, Mark Dallinger, Nick Miler.