Bloods confident ahead of campaign

Saffron Walden Town FC are in good shape going into the new Ridgeons League First Division season on Saturday.

The Bloods have beaten Hatfield Town and Dunmow in pre-season friendlies and are looking to build on last season's sixth place, when they kick-off this campaign at home to Great Yarmouth on Saturday.

Assistant manager John Butchart can't wait for the league to begin.

"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "We have two players in every position now with a great competition for places. Everybody is looking over their shoulders, even the senior players, which keeps everybody on their toes.

"It will be nice if we can do as well as last year plus a bit more as every year we aim to improve."

Butchart knows Great Yarmouth will prove a stiff test for the Bloods at Catons Lane.

"We won all but one of our home games last year, and it's nice to start with a home game, but there are no easy games in the Ridgeons League and it will be a tough test," he said.

"At the beginning of last year we had some good cup runs, but that was detrimental to our league form. We want as many points on the table as soon as possible.

"We have got a good squad and if they all apply themselves as they can, there's no reason why they shouldn't get points most Saturdays."

The Bloods will be without Ben Smith (flu), Dean Godden (cartilage), Sean Anderson (cartilage) and Brad Green who is still a few weeks away from fitness.

Walden host Godmanchester Rovers on Wednesday night.

"We always seem to struggle against them, but we were strong at home last year with good home support and we are looking to keep that up this season," said Butchart.

- Walden defeated Dunmow 5-1 on Tuesday night at the Recreation Ground.

On target for the Bloods were Tyler Gilkes (2), Ben Newman, Greg Strong and trialist Jamie Reeves.

Walden were due to conclude their pre-season preparations last night (Wednesday), hosting Linton in a friendly clash.