THERE will only be one new face in the Evesham United side when the new Dr Martens League season starts at Bloxwich Town on Saturday, writes Mervyn Collins.

Former Worcester City man Steve Lutz will take his place in a midfield quartet alongside Steve McCartan, Phil Preedy and Steve Taylor.

The latter trio were all on target in Saturday's 5-0 friendly trouncing of Afan Lido - Andy Hodgetts and Scott Mullen, son of the absent United manager - completed the nap hand against the Welshmen.

Jon Ford, who arrived at Common Road from Halesowen in the close season, has been released but Phil Mullen is more than happy with the strength of his squad.

"Jon wasn't going to improve my team," Mullen admitted. "I said at the end of last season that I would be happy to start the season with what I finished with and apart from Steve, that is the case.

"Steve has an ability to get around the park. He's strong and physical and can score goals and is also useful to have around the play in other areas."

Mullen also revealed that Joe Licata was looking for another club after Mullen told him he wouldn't be a first choice selection.

Evesham's players have their final training session at Common Road tonight (Thursday) before the real action starts and Mullen admits it's going to be a difficult opener.

"It's not going to be easy. They will be out to impress but it's important we make a good start especially with a tough game at home to Solihull on Tuesday.

"We are more geared up for it this year and I will be disappointed if we don't match last season's efforts," Mullen admitted. "Every game is important but the first four should be interesting. Solihull have brought in Derek Hall from Moor Green and the game should be a good indication of what to expect.

"Expectations are bound to be high but I expect us to be in with a shout," Mullen concluded.

The United boss must start the season without the holidaying Dean Roberts and suspended Mark Wolsey and he will be hoping Shaun Pratt shakes off a knee strain so he can take his place alongside Hodgetts.

Fellow striker Stuart Payne begins his fitness campaign tonight but he isn't expected to be in the 14 on Saturday.

One man who could figure is assistant boss Paul Davies, who scored on his debut at Blakenall - now Bloxwich - two years ago and hit the winner at the ground 12 months ago.

Mullen has only one contentious area of selection and that is to select two from Paul West, Jay Powell and Richard Clark for the central defensive spots.

Wolsey will be back in contention on Tuesday when Evesham will be hoping to extend an unbeaten home league sequence that stretches back to January 6.

An Evesham United Football Supporters Club coach will leave the town bus station at 12.30pm on Saturday for Evesham's game against Bloxwich. For details contact Gladys Hawkins on 01905 28794.

United's youth team drew 2-2 with Stratford Town in a pre-season friendly at Common Road on Monday night. Jack Seeley and Oliver Stanbra scored for United.

l Ford made his debut for Bromsgrove on Tuesday but ended up a loser as Stratford Town scored the only goal at the Victoria Ground.