EVESHAM United boss Paul Collicutt wants his three main strikers to all break the 20-goal barrier as the club look to go a step further than last season.

The Robins were the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West surprise package when they finished second only to crash 3-0 in the play-offs against Larkhall Athletic.

Now one of the pre-season favourites, United host another much-fancied side in Yate Town in Saturday’s curtain-raiser at the Jubilee Stadium (3pm).

With midfield additions Ashley Williams, Clayton Green and Ben Maguire on board, Evesham finished a tough pre-season on a high note with a stylish 4-0 win over Westfields on Tuesday.

But wide player Marcus Jackson misses the first three games after a red card for violent conduct against Worcester City, while forward Ashley Edenborough is doubtful with a virus.

However, striker Adam Mann played 45 minutes on his return from travelling in Australia and is ready to start if necessary along with Lance Smith.

Collicutt said: “I’m looking for all three strikers to chip in with 20 to 25-plus goals and they all have the ability to do that. Adam looked surprisingly sharp against Westfields but Ashley has to be doubtful for Saturday.

“What happened last season has given me more of an appetite to push again. There was a lot of disappointment after our last game. It’s been a long wait for the next competitive match.

“The expectation levels are different as we were probably the surprise package last season. The lads did exceptionally well but the play-off defeat hurt me and the players.

“I hope they will remember that and put in that little bit extra to turn defeats into draws and draws into wins.”

He added: “I’ve never known a pre-season like it. We had so many people out for various reasons — illness, injury, holidays, stag dos and weddings.”

New Yate boss Craig Laird has used his time at Weymouth and Weston-super-Mare to recruit a promising squad.

Evesham visit Slimbridge next Wednesday (7.30pm).