BASINGSTOKE Town manager Jason Bristow admits that his side will have their hands full when they travel to highly-fancied Bromley in the Conference South on Saturday.

Town bounced back from a disappointing opening-day defeat to Hemel Hempstead with a comprehensive 4-0 victory away at Bath City on Tuesday night, but Saturday’s opposition will provide a much stiffer test.

Bromley have won both of their opening games, winning 3-1 away at Havant and Waterlooville on Saturday and beating visiting Whitehawk 4-1 on Tuesday night to highlight why they are expected to challenge for honours this season.

“Saturday is going to be tough but if we acquit ourselves well then there is no reason why we cannot come away with something,” Bristow said.

“We knew prior to the start of the season that Bromley would be strong. They have brought some experienced players into a side that was already useful last season, have scored a lot of goals early in the season and are one of the favourites for the title.

“Our defence will have to be on their game because Bromley are excellent going forward, but we showed that we are a good attacking side ourselves at Bath. We just have to make sure that we are not too gung-ho about it.”

Bristow moved to sign former Reading striker Nicholas Bignall on non-contract terms a day before the season started. The 24-year-old is yet to feature after tweaking his calf in the warm-up on Saturday, but the Town boss believes he has a top player on his hands.

“Nicholas Bignall should be playing in the Football League,” Bristow said. “He became available late on Friday and is looking for games, so we moved quickly to get him on board. He will be a good addition to the squad.

“He could be fit for the Bromley game, but Chris Flood scored two goals at Bath, so we may have a hard decision to make.”