HARTLEY Wintney will make history this Saturday when they play their first ever game in the Southern League.

It should be a great day in the village with Northwood the visitors trying to spoil the party, as the reigning Combined Counties League champions kick-off their Division One East campaign.

Joint manager Daniel Brownlie said: “There is a lot of excitement around the club and the only target we have is three points on Saturday.

“We are using the same rules as last season.

Brownlie added: "Predicting at this early stage is pointless as much as it is dangerous in adding pressure or reducing expectation for the players. We love winning so we will try and do it as much as we can.”

Hartley ended their pre-season campaign in fine style with a 4-1 victory over a well organised young Reading XI last Saturday.

New signing Paul Hodges from Abbey Rangers scored a hat-trick in the win.

His second goal was a beautiful finish after an equally stunning move from the team.

Looking back at the game, Brownlie said: “It was a fair result and the result was not just based on physicality, we played some very good football.”

As well as Paul Hodges, former Tadley man James Tennant has signed from Thatcham Town.

Also former players Joe Paris, Aaron Parfitt and Callum Eagle have returned after spells away and Adam Everiss is back after a year’s travelling.

On the minus side centre half Shane Hollamby has signed for Basingstoke Town and striker Ross Cook has departed to Fleet Town.

Otherwise everyone has re-signed for what should be a exciting season and his includes captain Sam Argent who led the team's scoring last season with over 50 goals.

On Monday night, Hartley travel to Beaconsfield for their first ever away game in the Southern League.

A week on Saturday, Hartley will enter the FA Cup at the preliminary round stage and will face a trip to Wessex League Premier Division side Brockenhurst.