Angelo Harrop is confident that a productive pre-season can provide the foundation for STANWAY ROVERS’ promotion push this season.

The Rovers boss is delighted with the effort and commitment his players showed over the summer months, in the build up to the new campaign.

Stanway reaped the benefits of their productive pre-season when they beat Fakenham Town 1-0, on the opening day of the new premier division season.

They will be looking to make it back-to-back wins tonight when they host Haverhill Rovers, at the Hawthorns (kick-off 7.45pm).

Harrop said: “We’ve had a really tough pre-season where we played a lot of tough opponents from higher leagues.

“The boys have put in so much commitment and we’ve done a variety of sessions.

“We haven’t got a massive squad but if you can have a good pre-season, it sets you up for the season.

“It was the perfect start for us against Fakenham - it was a difficult game against a well-organised side.

“Both teams played their part in a really good game and I was really pleased with the result and the performance.

“We said to the players after the game that it’s important we prepare properly for Tuesday.

“Tonight is only our second game of the season but the boys are in good shape.”

Harrop will come up against an old team-mate tonight in Haverhill boss Michael Shinn.

The pair played together at AFC Sudbury and Harrop believes the former Braintree Town midfielder’s side will provide a tough test.

“We’re aware of the threat Haverhill have and we’ve played them four or five times since I took charge at Stanway,” added Harrop.

“We know that they’ll bring a lot of energy and I know Shinny from our days of playing together at Sudbury.”

Elsewhere in the premier division tonight, FC CLACTON travel to play BRANTHAM ATHLETIC.

The Seasiders will be looking to follow up their 2-2 opening-day draw with newly-promoted Swaffham Town.

Brantham will be aiming to make it two wins out of two, following their 1-0 victory over Godmanchester Rovers last weekend.