HAUGHLEY United are confident they can see out the season despite suffering a mass exodus of players from a squad that finished runners-up to Grundisburgh in the Metaltec SIL last term.

By Elvin King

HAUGHLEY United are confident they can see out the season despite suffering a mass exodus of players from a squad that finished runners-up to Grundisburgh in the Metaltec SIL last term.

Two months ago they had to jettison their reserve side because they could not field two teams every Saturday.

But boosted by the support they have received from other SIL clubs, Haughley are looking to the future with renewed confidence.

Secretary Lee Forsdyke said: “The kind comments that have been made by other clubs have made us even more determined to carry on.

“I am sure we will see out the season, and we plan to re-group in the summer.

“There are plans to link with a youth team in the area to re-establish our reserve team and apply to join Intermediate Section B of the SIL for 2008/09.”

Haughley, who have been members of the Senior Division since 1977/78, have accepted the fact they will be relegated.

“But our aim will be to bounce straight back,” added Forsdyke.

“Most of our first team squad left in the summer and we lost more when manager Paul Bugg departed in November.

“We are now fielding basically a reserve team that we would expect to finish around mid-table in the Intermediate Division.

“There is no doubt we are still struggling, but the dedication being shown by the remaining players is very pleasing.

“New manager Adam Riggey is working hard to bring players in, but it would be fair to say that we are already looking to next season.”

Haughley, who have won just one game out of 18 in the league, are at home to Capel Plough tomorrow,

The other relegation place looks like being between BT Trimley and Westerfield United, and they have both have tough matches tomorrow on a day when the top four clubs are all involved in the Touchlines Sports Suffolk Senior Cup.

In the Premier Division of the Ridgeons League, leaders Needham Market face a tough task at Leiston looking to bounce back after dropping a point to Stanway on Wednesday.

Glenn Read's Woodbridge Town will have their hands full when championship-chasing Soham visit Notcutt's Park.

Ipswich Wanderers also have to be at their best to take points off Lowestoft Town at Humber Doucy Lane.

Steve Potts' Felixstowe and Walton United entertain Swaffham with Walsham at home to Harwich.

In the First Division, Stowmarket Town need a lift after conceding nine goals against Diss Town on Wednesday when Dave Hubbick's team play bottom-of-the-table Fakenham at Greens Meadow.

The Norfolk-based side drew at Debenham Leisure Centre last week, with Mel Aldis' outfit looking to get back on track at Downham.

Metaltec SIL recent transfers: Sam Behnamnia (Haughley to Ransomes), Robert Greenhalgh (Grundisburgh to Westerfield), Nathan Smith (Willis to Woodbridge Athletic).