EVESHAM United embark on a new chapter in the club's history on Saturday when they travel to Tiverton Town for their first match in the top flight of the Southern League, writes Mervyn Collins.

And, manager Dave Busst has a warning for the rest of the division who may think that the promoted Robins might be an easy touch in the Premier Division.

"We're not going down there just to make up the numbers," the Common Road chief emphatically declared. "Nobody knows us and they might think that they can take points off us easily. Psychologically that could work in our favour."

Busst admitted that any kind of result would please him in North Devon against a team he watched in friendly action a couple of weeks ago.

"They are a good footballing side with a few ex-pros in their squad," recalled the United manager. "There's about four or five six-footers in their side but they like to knock the ball about. We're going to have to be on our game at the back and if we can remain strong defensively then I feel sure that we can cause them problems at the other end.

"Jermaine (Clarke) is growing in strength and that is taking the pressure off Bally and there is competition all round for places in the side."

Clarke and Ball appear set to lead the front line with summer recruit Jae Martin unlikely to feature after twisting an ankle two weeks ago. The suspended Steve Duncan will also be on the sidelines, while Steven Hands won't be in the starting 11 ahead of a holiday that will see him miss the next five matches.

Simon Fitter is another of last season's promotion winning squad set to miss out as he failed to turn up for the club's last two warm-up matches.

The versatile Richard Robinson is set for his debut, while fellow newcomer Adam Cooper looks to be vying with Stuart Hamilton for a place alongside Lee Knight and Anthony Watson in defence.

Inderpaul Khela is another who could feature but Busst admits the former Kidderminster man needs more games under his belt.

"He's still a little rusty after his long lay-off and needs matches but I'm sure that he can do a job for us if required," the manager admitted. "We've got a few youngsters in the squad as well and they can only benefit from being involved.

"The squad is as strong as I can make it with the money available and we will see just how strong we are after the busy opening few weeks of the new season."

Busst and club officials will be hoping the Evesham public turn out in force for next Tuesday night's home opener against Team Bath when the Robins will be hoping to maintain the form on home soil that resulted in just three league defeats last season.

It's going to be tough for the Pre-mier Division's new boys and that's how it should be! The manager is acutely aware that his players will need to be at their disciplined best at this higher status but he also knows that the squad he has assembled is capable of making a real fist of the enormous challenge that lies in wait for his charges.

Tuesday's match is sponsored by Cotswold Provisions of Briar Close, Evesham and the match ball sponsor is the Ivy Inn, North Littleton.

l Boss Dave Busst had a pleasant surprise this week when experienced midfielder Guy Hadland contacted him and asked to sign for United.

Hadland, previously with Bedworth United, was due to sign for Moor Green Rovers but the deal fell through.

"He's a useful signing because he's played at this level," said Busst.