STANWAY ROVERS manager Danny Slatter has warned his side to expect a backlash when they welcome Long Melford to The Hawthorns tonight.

Rovers romped to a 9-1 victory when the teams met in a Thurlow Nunn League fixture on August 21.

Andrew Wood notched a hat-trick and he was joined on the scoresheet by Jamie Shaw (two), Marley Andrews, Jordan Blackwell, Tyler Kemp and substitute Tom Holdstock in a one-sided premier division contest at Stoneylands.

Now the pair are set to meet again and Slatter has told his players not to expect a "walk in the park".

He believes Melford will have a point to prove and will be determined to put a spanner in the works of his high-flying Rovers side.

"That result would have hurt them and we know we can't rest on our laurels, expecting a walk in the park," said Slatter, who works alongside assistants Craig Hughes and Adam Munn.

"It won't be like that.

"Melford will have a point to prove and they'll want to do themselves justice, having lost so heavily before.

"We know we have to treat each game as an individual battle and a battle that has to be won.

"We're very pleased to be where we are in the table.

"There have only been two or three occasions when we've let ourselves down.

"Other than that, the boys have been superb and there's definitely more to come.

"Players are coming back from injury and that bodes well for the second half of the season."

Stanway are fourth in the premier division table, breathing down the necks of both Wroxham, in second, and third-placed Newmarket Town.

They also have two games in hand on both.

They added to their points tally thanks to an impressive 2-1 victory at home to Mildenhall Town on Saturday.

And while promotion is very much the goal this season, Slatter is determined to take it one game at a time.

"Mildenhall are a very good side," he said.

"They should be higher in the table, based on ability, and that's why it was such a massive result.

"We could have scored even more but it was just great that the boys stuck together and ground out the result.

"As for the promotion picture, we've heard different rumours about how many sides will go up this season, ranging from the top two to the top four.

"It depends on other leagues and we'll leave that to the powers that be, to make decisions and pass information on.

"All we can do is concentrate on ourselves and keep winning our games, to make sure we've got the best possible chance.

"We've got a big month ahead, with important games on the horizon.

"We have to be mentally prepared and go into each of them with the right attitude.

"It's going to be an interesting ride and it's one we're really excited about."

Slatter is relishing his role as Stanway boss.

He took over at the tail end of last season and is enjoying the challenge of pushing near the top of the premier division table.

"I'm loving it," he said.

"The boys are first-class and I'm fortunate to work alongside some great people who work so hard for the club - people like Angelo Harrop (director of football), Craig (Hughes) and Adam (Munn).

"They've helped me so much.

"Craig should be back training in a month, after his ACL injury (suffered in pre-season).

"That's great news for him and us - even if it gives me a welcome selection headache.

"He's a real leader on the pitch and someone who will undoubtedly make us stronger."

Elsewhere, there are three BetVictor Isthmian League division north fixtures of note tonight, including home matches for both COGGESHALL TOWN and WITHAM TOWN.

They entertain Histon and Brentwood Town respectively, while HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS are away to Tilbury.