With an FA Vase fourth-round tie awaiting next month and a promotion battle to occupy them over the busy Christmas and New Year period, Paul Quinn’s Brighouse Town are enjoying good times.

However, the manager feels that with Brighouse being relative newcomers to the Baris Northern Counties East League Premier Division, they are still in the shade of some of the big hitters in their section.

Quinn said: “We have done well so far, and that speaks volumes for the squad of players we have here because we have had our share of injuries.

"If we can keep people fit and maintain the consistency we have shown, then we will be in and among the contenders but we have to realise there are bigger clubs than us who will probably win the title.”

The division is notoriously difficult to get out of because the only promotion place goes to the champions.

There are no second chances through a play-off system or no prizes for coming second - to gain promotion to the Evo-Stik League, you have to win the title.

“You only have to look at Bridlington and Scarborough - they have to be favourites above us,” added the boss.

“We are competing against more established clubs, with better infrastructure and bigger budgets. I suppose that’s why we keep hearing ourselves described as the ‘surprise package’ of the league.

“Staveley had a look at it last season and were probably hindered by their run to the semi-finals of the FA Vase in the end.

"They and Worksop will be there again this time - teams like that will take some stopping. Brid went on a 12-game unbeaten run. That’s what these big boys can do.

“But everyone is going to drop points, and with all the pressure on the other clubs we can play without fear and just try to pick up points.

"We have briefly been top of the table twice but I spoke to my assistant and we said it wasn’t a bad thing that we’re not up there right now.

"Once you’re there, you are to be shot at so we are quite happy to be third or fourth as long as we are not too far behind on points.”