Stowmarket Town will be looking to keep the pressure on the top two as they go in search of an eighth win in a row this weekend, writes Alex Moss.

The Old Gold and Blacks returned to action after a three-week break with a 5-1 victory over Thetford Town at Greens Meadow last Saturday.

The win moved Rick Andrews’ side back up to third place in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division table, two points adrift of Coggeshall Town, in second, and 17 points behind leaders Felixstowe & Walton United.

As well as putting their winning streak on the line when they travel to Haverhill Borough tomorrow afternoon (3pm), Stow also have an impressive run of wins on the road to try and maintain, having won their last eight league games away from home.

Josh Mayhew netted his 40th goal of the season in last weekend’s win against Thetford, while Ace Howell struck twice in a man-of-the-match performance for the Old Gold and Blacks.

“I’ve admired Ace for a long time,” Andrews said. “He’s been at the club, I think this is his third time with us now, and when he’s on his game he’s unplayable at times.

“His work rate is very good and I was impressed with his second goal. The goalkeeper has made a great save from his header, but he’s improvised and scored with a great strike.”

Stow had to battle back from a goal behind to see off the Brecklanders last weekend, with Dave Cowley and the returning Remi Garrett, making his first appearance since a three-month injury lay off, also finding the target.

“I was very pleased with the comeback,” Andrews said. “It would have been nice to have kept a clean sheet, but it’s seven straight wins and we’ve not scored less than four goals in that run, so how can I complain?”

Andrews is close to having his squad back to full strength, with defender Leon Ottley-Gooch and midfielder Angelo Harrop both not far away from making returns, while former loanee goalkeeper James Bradbrook, from Needham Market, has signed for Brightlingsea Regent.