CHAIRMAN Kevin Jenkins reckons Worcester Raiders are in “good shape” to launch a promotion challenge after retaining all of last season’s squad.

Raiders kicked off their West Midlands Division One campaign with a 1-1 draw at Wrens Nest last Saturday.

Chris Cornes gave the city side the lead in the second half only for their Dudley-based opponents to bundle the ball home in injury-time to snatch a point.

But Jenkins is hopeful his side can battle for top honours after joint managers Karl Gormley and Martin Stephens kept hold of their key men.

“The whole squad has been retained which is a massive boost,” Jenkins said.

“Joey Haines can't play on Saturdays due to work commitments, but apart from that it’s the same team.

“We have also got two new players in Alexander Marsh and Lewis Pinches.

"They used to play at quite a high level but stopped playing.

“They came along to pre-season training and started enjoying the game again. Alex can play in central midfield or at centre-back and Lewis is a goalkeeper.”

Last season saw Raiders finish in seventh position 15 points adrift of top spot.

The Claines Lane side will host Wellington Amateurs who have come down from the Premier Division on Saturday (3pm).

“I would like to say that we will be right up there and in with a shout (of promotion),” Jenkins added.

“Having that continuity in the squad will help as everyone will know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“By mid-September, October time the league will settle down and we will see where we are then.

“But I think we are in good shape to go for promotion, so watch this space.

“I just hope people will come to Claines Lane and support us this season.”