STANWAY ROVERS boss Angelo Harrop has challenged his players to overhaul runaway leaders Norwich United.

The Norfolk side won the Thurlow Nunn League at a canter last season and are 15 points clear of second-placed Rovers, after Tuesday’s 2-1 win against Gorleston.

However, Harrop’s side will be hoping to cut the gap in tonight’s premier division fixture at Ipswich Wanderers.

And the Stanway boss is confident his side can keep breathing down their necks and stay in the title race.

“I think we can catch them,” said Harrop, whose side have won 11 of their last 12 Thurlow Nunn League games.

“They’re 15 points above us but their next three games are really hard, away to Felixstowe, at home to Godmanchester and then away to Kirkley.

“If we can keep up our winning ways - and there’s a lot more to come from my boys - things could look very different by the end of February.

“Norwich aren’t used to being under pressure, having been so clear at the top last year and again this season, so it’ll be interesting to see how they cope.

“They’ve also got to come to us on the last day of the season and won’t fancy that one bit, if the title is still up for grabs.

“There’s a long way to go and I’d say we’ve got the best fixtures of all the top sides.”

Both Stanway and Norwich have applied for promotion to the Ryman League.

And Harrop believes his side’s recent winning feat has largely gone unnoticed - something he is more than happy about.

“It’s like we’ve slipped under the radar,” he said.

“We’re winning games and have quietly moved up to second, but no-one is saying much about us.

“Not that I’m complaining.

“I like it and it means the only pressure is that coming from within.”

Harrop believes his side face a tough test at Ipswich Wanderers.

“It’s going to be a really difficult game,” he said.

“It’s our next big hurdle but if we could win, it would put real pressure on Norwich.

“They know we’re coming for them and there won’t be a more passionate side in the division, during these final months of the season.”

Stanway will be without centre-half Joss Neale, who is ruled out because of work commitments.

Meanwhile, striker Jordan Palmer has signed for Ryman League neighbours Heybridge Swifts.

“I wish him the best of luck,” said Harrop.

“He’s been great since joining last season and enjoyed some great moments during his time with the club.”