March manager Duke embraces step up to Step 5

March Town manager Arran Duke is looking forward to leading his side in Step 5 football next season - a level the Hares have not played at since 1997.

After two promotion challenges were ended by Covid-19 lockdowns, March have finally been promoted on points per game after the FA had a reshuffle of non-league football.

On the prospect of his team lining up in the Eastern Counties League Premier Division next season, Duke said: "We have earned the right to be there and we will be competitive.

"It's an exciting time and we will be up against some big clubs such as Norwich United and Wroxham. It's a fresh, exciting challenge and we are definitely up for it."

The Hares seemed a shoo-in for elevation to Step 5 after meeting ground standards and having a high points per game ratio, but at one stage thought they may have been placed in the United Counties League.

But Duke was delighted to stay in the ECL and added: "It is a reward for all the hard work and support from the chairman Phil White, the board, other volunteers and for the crowd. We have a great, very vocal, home and away following and that support means such a lot to players at our level.

"This move is big for the club and it is big for the town of March too.This club is a sleeping giant and it is an exciting time to be involved here."