BRANTHAM Athletic midfielder Craig Hughes hopes his side can maintain their promotion push over Christmas.

The former Stanway Rovers man is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered in the Imps’ recent defeat against fellow high-fliers Stowmarket.

However, he should be back in action next month and hopes that by the time he pulls his boots on again, Brantham are still handily-placed near the Thurlow Nunn League summit.

The Leisure Centre side, who are fourth, visit Kirkley and Pakefield tomorrow before visiting Stanway on Boxing Day (kick-off 11am).

“Our aim was always to be in and around the top spots heading into Christmas,” Hughes told the Standard.

“We know a lot can change in that time, especially with sides playing each other, and we want to keep ourselves up there.

“It shows how far we’ve come that we’re even thinking along those lines.

“We’re doing so well as a team.

“We’re on a great run and there’s been so much development.

“On a personal note, it’s been great and I’m really enjoying it here.

“The managers do things the right way and we’ve got a lot of good lads at the club, many of whom I’ve played with before.

“There’s a great atmosphere and there’s no better feeling than enjoying your football.”

Hughes was delighted to see his side bounce back in last week’s 6-1 romp against Walsham-le-Willows.

Hero Sam Newson scored four of their goals, before Michael Murray’s penalty and a late far-post header from Peter Maina put the cherries on the Imps’ cake.

“Sam’s clinical when he gets chances and it was important to bounce back quickly, after the Stowmarket game,” added Hughes.

“You’re always learning lessons in football and I knew the boys would come back stronger after the disappointment of that defeat.”

“The good thing about football is that there’s always another game around the corner, to try and put things right.”

Hughes suffered his injury in the opening minutes against Stowmarket.

However, he hopes to be back soon.

“Touch wood, it’s not going to be a long absence for me,” he said.