PROMOTED Stourport Swifts take a step into the unknown with their first Dr Martens League Western Division game on Saturday.

Rod Brown's men entertain Shepshed Dynamo (3pm) as they write a new section in the club's history books.

Swifts finished pre-season with a 4-1 win at Hellenic League North Leigh on Saturday, thanks to goals from Alex Cowley, Asa Charlton, Adrian Cooper and Jamie Hart.

Cooper, once a midfielder with Halesowen Town at Premier Division level, has made such an impression as a striker in friendlies that he may start with fit-again goal-grabber Lee Booth.

Stourport assistant boss Gary Whild feels the players can make an impact at Dr Martens level but admits the early atmosphere has been quite a change from past campaigns.

Whild revealed: "It's strange because we have never gone into a season without thinking we were going to win the league.

"But that's not the case this year. We are happy with what we have got, are looking to be competitive and are optimistic.

"It's a nice position to be in as there's not much pressure and it would be good to get off to a decent start, gaining confidence on the way. We don't see any reason why we shouldn't hold our own.

"We're looking forward to Saturday. It's a big day in the club's history and everybody is motivated."

Swifts rule out Mark Dearlove (knee) and striker Tim Langford (calf).

They have released trialist Phil Marsden, an ex-Rothwell player, with Swifts feeling he would not improve the squad.

Whild said: "Pre-season has gone as well as can be expected.

"We've played Adrian Cooper a bit further forward and he's given us a bit of food for thought. He's always said he can play up-front but we took it with a pinch of salt.

"But he's taken his chance and might have earned himself a start.

"We will be looking to Lee Booth to follow on from last year. He's played at this level before and scored goals. We should be strong in midfield with Adam Nicholls and also at the back.

"Alex Cowley has had a very good pre-season. He's improved leaps and bounds from last season."

With Kidderminster Harriers away in the north-east at Darlington, Swifts are hoping to pick up a few drifting supporters for their big kick-off.

Whild explained: "If the friendlies are anything to go by, there have been more watching. I think people can relate more to the standard we are at now."

But Stourport, who head to Racing Club Warwick next Tuesday (7.45pm), will have early problems.

Defenders Steve Ulfig, Quentin Townsend and Anthony Davies all face lengthy suspensions from the third week of the season.