Dave Barefield will start his first league match in a month for Halstead Town tomorrow - ironically against former club Tiptree United.

It will also be the prolific striker's first visit back to Chapel Road since he quit the Jam-makers for Halstead last summer.

Barefield's inclusion after knee and ankle complaints should boost Halstead's chances of achieving a top-six finish, but it may not help Tiptree's bid to stave off relegation.

Jam-makers boss Neil Farlie is well aware of what the hitman is capable of, having spent two seasons coaching him.

"We know what he is all about," said Farlie.

"He has been injured recently but he is back now and is banging in the goals for Halstead.

"As a player it's not just his ability to get goals.

"He is a real handful and when we lost to Hastead 2-1 earlier in the season, he managed to earn the free-kick for the goal that eventually won the game for them."

Published Friday January 9, 2004

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