The top two sides in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division go head-to-head this afternoon with second-top Stanway Rovers more in need of the three points.

The Essex side travel to Mildenhall Town, 10 points behind the leaders and having played two more games than Dean Greygoose’s men.

With that in mind, does the clash at Rec Way become a “must-win” for Angelo Harrop’s side?

“It’s a must-win game for us but we have really picked up over the last few games and are very confident. We go out to win every time but we usually come good for the big games.”

Mildenhall lead the table having dropped just three points this season, while Stanway have dropped 13.

“Mildenhall are having an amazing season and are in similar form to Norwich United last season,” Harrop added.

“They are very direct and that works for them, but we have played them the last three seasons and have a game-plan.”

Stanway are lagging behind Mildenhall, mainly due to two early-season defeats they suffered at the hands of Haverhill Rovers and Wivenhoe Town.

“People probably don’t realise that we had six players injured or suspended for the first six games.

“To have six senior players out makes things very difficult.”

On the other side of the fence, Mildenhall manager Dean Greygoose is expecting his side to face their toughest test of the season.

“It’s not just another game, but I knew they (Stanway) would be there or thereabouts and I think it will be our toughest game to date,” explained the ‘Hall boss.

“They made a lot of changes a couple of months ago and brought a lot of players in.

“They are very competitive, reasonably direct and we will have to match them physically.”

While Mildenhall have a substantial lead at the top, a Stanway victory would suddenly make things very interesting, while below them, the likes of Felixstowe and Gorleston have several games in hand on Mildenhall.

“I would say there are four team in contention, including ourselves,” expressed Greygoose.

“I always felt Stanway and Felixstowe were always going to be there, while Gorleston have been the surprise package and have a good young squad.”