The excitement is building at Whitton United this season.

So says boss Paul Bugg, who saw his side progress into the last four of the Suffolk Premier Cup on Tuesday evening after beating fellow Thurlow Nunn Premier Division side, Brantham Athletic, 3-0.

Miles Powell’s ruthless brace largely ensured Whitton progressed into the semi-finals of the competition, adding to their achievements last season.

The Thurlow Nunn First Division League champions and Suffolk Senior Cup winners welcome Stanway Rovers in a league game tomorrow and, under manager Bugg, are continuing to write new chapters in their history.

“There is a buzz around the place at the moment,” declared Bugg.

“These really are exciting times. A lot of people are talking about us and that’s great.

“We are well and truly keeping our feet on the ground, but I’m finding it hard to as it really is very exciting right now.”

Whitton are one of the league’s form sides and have moved into mid-table after some excellent recent results.

Tuesday evening’s cup game was another impressive success and Bugg was delighted with his team’s second-half performance, and particularly the display of two-goal hero Powell, who signed from Felixstowe & Walton United.

“Since Miles has been at the club his attitude has been tremendous,” declared the Whitton boss.

Powell played as an out-and-out striker in a 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation on Tuesday, and Bugg has been very impressed with his capture’s contribution so far.

“We’ve asked Miles to do that role and it’s not natural to him,” said Bugg.

“He’s a better midfielder, and he knows that, but he does bring something different which we haven’t had.”

Club captain and leading goalscorer Chris Williams was missing on Tuesday, but is likely to come back into the starting XI against Stanway.

With new signing Allicion Blake, who recently switched across Suffolk from Mildenhall Town, pressing for a debut this weekend, Bugg admits he has a slight headache selection in terms of personnel and formation.

“We’ve got Blakey through the door and he’s a proven striker at this level,” enthused Bugg.

“I’ve said before that we need another prolific striker and now we’ve got one, he’s a great signing. He approached us, so I’m delighted we’ve got him on board.

“He’s 100% in the squad this week, but who knows, he may have to bide his time.

“We’re in a great run of form at the moment and my dilemma is whether to fit him in or not. We’ll see, but it’s great that we have so much competition for places upfront now.”

Midfielders James Crisell and Jordan Dye recently joined from Needham Market to add further competition for places at the Suffolk side.

“I’ve got 19 fully-fit players to pick from this weekend,” added Bugg.

“Stanway are a top team though.

“They’ve just signed a couple of really good players (including ex-Colchester United midfielder Karl Duguid) so it’s a big test for us.

“Anything we can get will be a bonus, but we can’t wait for it.”