EYNESBURY Rovers are gearing up for the start of their United Counties League Division 1 campaign this weekend. Northampton Sileby Rangers are the visitors to Hall Road on Saturday with Eynesbury looking to build on last season s seventh-place finish. Man

EYNESBURY Rovers are gearing up for the start of their United Counties League Division 1 campaign this weekend.

Northampton Sileby Rangers are the visitors to Hall Road on Saturday with Eynesbury looking to build on last season's seventh-place finish.

Manager Dean Shipp is insisting the club can have realistic ambitions of promotion. He said: "Given where we finished last season and the fact we've made some decent signings in the close season we have to be aiming for the top.

"Pre-season has gone very well, we've won a few and lost a few against teams from higher leagues but we're pleased with the strength of the squad."

Shipp has made a number of summer signings including centre back Dan Woodhead from St Neots, forward Simon Stevens as well as re-signing former player Sean Humphrey - also a striker.

Shipp continued: "We've managed to capture some good players and although we're disappointed to have lost Barry Albone to St Ives we believe we've got the makings of a decent squad.

"We know Sileby quite well, having met them in the past so we're expecting an open game with plenty of chances and we're raring to go for the start of the season."

Opening fixtures

DateOpposition

Aug 19Northampton Sileby Rangers (h)

Aug 26Bugbrooke St Michaels (a)

Sep 2P'borough Northern Star (a)