WHITCHURCH United face a daunting trip to Salisbury on Tuesday night as they look to get their Wessex League Premier Division campaign off to a good start.

The Jamboys, who spent much of last season battling near the top of the table, play their opening game on Saturday, when Lymington Town visit Longmeadow.

However, their stand-out fixture of the opening week comes three days later, when they make the short trip down the A303 to Salisbury.

Salisbury City were in the top tier of non-league football two years ago, but off-the-field problems saw the club fold.

A phoenix club has been formed in its place and will begin life in the Wessex League this season.

Tuesday’s game will be their first competitive fixture at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium – and a big crowd is expected to turn out for the occasion.

Whitchurch managed Carl Bennett said: “Salisbury are going to be a good side, but hopefully playing in front of a big crowd can give us a lift.

“If we turn up, then it should be a good game of football, and hopefully we can cause a bit of a shock.”

Whitchurch ended up finishing sixth in the table last season, falling away in the closing stages of the season, but Bennett has kept the core of that squad together.

Top-scorer Danny Phillips and experienced midfielder Danny Barker are still with the club, as is goalkeeper Brad Snelling, who turned down interest from Southern League side Winchester City to remain at Longmeadow.

Ali Brown has returned after a year away, while Bennett has added two wingers.

Sean Ayeomoni has signed from Ryman League Thamesmead Town, while Dave Parry has joined from Hampshire Premier League neighbours Overton United.

Bennett added: “I am happy with the squad and my aims this year are the same as they were last season.

“I don’t want to put pressure on the players. We want to make sure we stay in the league first of all, and then work from there, finishing as high as we can.”