EVESHAM United manager Paul West says his team is going in the right direction as the new season approaches.

The Robins have played two pre-season friendlies to date - losing 3-2 against Worcester City and winning 2-0 at Alvechurch on Tuesday.

Next up is Blue Square Premier outfit Stafford Rangers at St George's Lane on Saturday (3pm).

Manager West, whose side kick-off their Southern League Division One Midlands campaign on August 18, said: "We have got a great opportunity to play a Conference side with good quality.

"I am sure they will be looking forward to the fantastic surface at St George's Lane and we will get a good work-out. It's another challenge for us and I am looking forward to seeing how the players respond."

He continued: "I am pleased with our progress. We are going in the right direction.

"We won't get carried away with winning and losing, it's about the fitness. Sometimes it's not pretty, it's about doing the right things and I was delighted with getting another game for fitness in difficult conditions on Tuesday.

"We haven't picked up any silly injuries which is always a relief."

West is also pleased with the new signings and trialists who have been given their chance in the two fixtures.

Striker Craig Thomas, snapped up from Southern League Division One Midlands rivals Romulus, scored against Alvechurch in mid-week, while defender Peter Wood and forward James Knott have impressed.

Defender Danny Hicks, brought in from Stratford during the close season, is expected to get some minutes under his belt against Phil Robinson's Rangers on Saturday.

West added: "There are a lot of good things to come out of the games but also things we need to tighten up on."