ERNIE Howe is enjoying the feelgood factor his team are inspiring at the moment - and he says he wouldn't consider parting with any of the players he has in his Basingstoke Town squad.

Having come up against some of the wealthy Nationwide South clubs in recent matches, the Town boss has seen the type of personnel the outfits awash with cash can afford to employ at non-League level.

Many ex-pros like Darren Caskey, at Hornchurch, and Dean Holdsworth, at Havant and Waterlooville, are now plying their trade outside the top flight.

But Howe's side - a cut-price blend of youngsters and older heads - have impressed him far more than any opposition.

The team are playing with confidence, character and style - further evidence of which came in the thrilling 3-2 win over Havant on Tuesday night at the Camrose.

Tied at 2-2 at the break, Town's second-half perseverance finally paid off when central defender Jason Bristow claimed a superb 30-yard, 90th-minute winner.

Speaking afterwards, a delighted Howe said: "Havant came here to beat us up and we didn't let them. We handled it well and deserved to get the winner because we kept going and eventually got our just reward.

"We were desperate to get something from the game, and I just had a feeling we would. Our determination and patience paid off.

"It's a superb win for us and the crowd really enjoyed it. They really appreciated what the players had given.

"We're putting smiles on faces and there is a good buzz about the club. I'm enjoying it as much as anyone.

"We've played some good sides of late, but would I swap any of mine for the Havant players out there, or some of the others from teams we've played? No."

Howe added: "Generally as a team, we have been performing and working hard for each other, so it's difficult to pick out individuals.

"But Scott Smith at the back has been excellent, as have David Ray and Sergio (Torres) in midfield. Cristian (Levis) has surprised me with the quality of his finishing, while Roachy is scoring some good goals too and looks sharp.

"Also, Martin Whiddett has given us a bit of presence up front. Both the Havant 'keeper and centre-half took him on physically - trying to cause some damage - and lost the battle. He's been very effective for us."

Town are the surprise package of the league so far and proudly sit in third place after seven wins out of nine games.

To date, in what Howe was anticipating would be a very tough September, given their opponents, Town have claimed six points from the nine up for grabs.

The 6-0 loss at Hornchurch remains the only black mark this month, but Town have put that behind them to gain victories over Newport, last Saturday, and Havant.

Howe said: "It's all about confidence and belief. We continue to respond in the right way, as we did to the Hornchurch defeat and against Havant when we conceded the first two goals in a home match this season.

"I also think we've benefited from not having to make changes. Sides that do have a good run together get to know where each other are on the pitch and play becomes instinctive. There's a lot to be said for that."

Tomorrow, Town travel to full-time Grays, who lie in second, in a top-of-the-table clash.

Howe said: "It's a big game. I watched them win 2-0 at Carshalton on Monday, and they will try to bully us like Havant.

"Grays have got some dangerous players. But I've got young lads who want to prove themselves and we're looking forward to the game."