PAUL West believes it is vital Evesham United rank highly in the fitness stakes to give themselves a shot of surviving in the Southern League Premier Division.

The Robins will look for sharpness when they kick-start their pre-season with two friendlies in 24 hours, first travelling to Alvechurch tonight before entertaining Tamworth at Common Road tomorrow (7.30pm).

Following promotion from Division One West, Evesham will be regarded as one of league's weaker sides in their new set-up.

Manager Dave Busst has made two summer signings, defender Adam Cooper and forward Jae Martin, but his squad will be severely tested.

Busst's assistant West said the league's 2005/06 fixture-list carries a daunting look to it, although he remains confident United can mount a successful campaign, providing the side can stay fit and relatively free of injuries.

West said: "No disrespect to the league we left last season, but we would look at 50 per cent of our fixtures and expect to win them.

"But in the Premier Division, it's not the case. Of the less fancied sides, it's probably just Yate Town and Mangotsfield, who both came up with us. That's the task in hand.

"It will be difficult, but we'll just have to be super-fit and the best organised side in the division."

Around half-a-dozen triallists are training with United and some are expected to get a run-out at Midland Alliance side Alvechurch, managed by Busst's brother Paul, while a strong side will be picked against Nationwide North outfit Tamworth.

West admits the players are itching for action after spending three weeks in fitness training at Abbey Stadium Sports Centre in Redditch.

He added: "We will mix it up a bit in both games. The lads will get at least a 45-minute run-out with some getting a little bit longer.

"The main thing is that we want to play with a good tempo. We don't want our players going through the motions. We want to keep improving everybody's fitness until the season starts, with as few injuries as possible."