Halstead Town could go a long way to securing a place in the Jewson League premier division when they take on Stanway Rovers tonight.
Town are currently second in the first division table and need 12 points from their last six games to be sure of going up.
Halstead manager Paul Grimsey said: "It's in our own hands now.
"We cannot afford to concentrate on anyone else but ourselves.
"We know Stanway will be up for it. It's a top-of-the-table clash and it's also a local derby, so they'll definitely want to win."
Rovers' boss Steve Ball is playing down his side's chances of victory - although he said his players will definitely be going for three points.
Their promotion hopes are all but over after four games without a win and Ball said: "We need to win just to give our morale a boost.
"Credit to Halstead, they're a good side and I think they'll go up as champions.
"They've spent a lot of money this season, but they've spent it wisely and they've got a better side than us at the moment."
Halstead will be missing influential midfielder Adrian Owers (hip) and Richard Sestek (knee) tonight.
Simon Head, who has been in a good goalscoring form recently, is a doubt (hamstring). But Colchester United loanee Ben Cranfield is set to return to action after a knee injury.
Stanway have a full squad to choose from, with the exception of Paul Brierley, who is still struggling with an ankle injury.
Published Wednesday, April 16, 2003
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