Presteigne St Andrews FC will open their league season in the newly-branded MMP with Norman Lloyd Mid Wales League, second division on Saturday, 11 August.
They will certainly be getting one of the longer trips of the season out of the way early on as Shaun Harris’ side will start with a trip to Machynlleth.
The Presteigne boss has a lot of respect for Saturday’s hosts and feels this will be a tough test for the first outing of the season.
“We are expecting a very difficult game this Saturday away at Machynlleth,” said Shaun.
“I’ve made two trips to Machynlleth with Hay St Marys a few years ago.
“It looks like a lot has changed for the Home side for the coming season and I believe they are under new management.
“In terms of our team news, well, we are with out a few key players with Tom Crichton and Euan Rhodes both being away on holiday along with Jack Stubbs, Toby Devereaux and Harry Clay.
“We have also lost Sammy Harrison, Ioan Hughes and possibly Marcus Pearce to injury.
“We don’t currently have the biggest squad so it will be and early test of depth for us.
“We travel up in good spirits and aim to come back with some points on the board to kick off the new season.”
Meanwhile, the Reserves continue their build up to the new Mid Wales League (South) season with a trip to Kingstone.
Joint-manager Mark Weiland feels this will be another tough game as Kingstone won promotion last season and will be determined to build on that this time around.
“Kingstone will be another test as they were promoted to the Hereford League Premier Division and I’ve heard that they have strengthened again,” said Mark.
“It will take a few games for the new boys to gel and everyone to get their fitness levels up but I think we can improve on last years fifth-place finish.”