HARTLEY Wintney kick-off their Southern League Premier Division campaign on Saturday with a tricky trip to Wimborne, before their opening home game against Swindon Supermarine on Tuesday night.
Last year, a superb end to the season saw the Row finish a very creditable eighth in the their first ever season at this level and also made them the top Hampshire side.
Hartley manager Anthony Millerick said: "We were the in form team as the season came to end last year. Of course we want to improve this season, but it is going to be a very competitive league.
Pre-season has been very enjoyable for the Row boss and finished with a 2-2 draw with Bedfont Sports in which both Shane Hollamby and Tayo Odelayo got the goals.
Millerick said: "We have had a big squad of players and pre-season has gone well. We have been able to experiment with different shapes in the same structure to see what works and does not.
"We have not been given a easy start, as going to Wimborne is always tough and Swindon Supermarine were one of the better sides we played last season in my eyes."
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