Eaton Socon have their sights set firmly on securing promotion as the new Cambs League season kicks off tonight.

Mark Spavins’ side have finished fourth in the last two Kershaw Premier Division campaigns – but they are hopefully of kicking on this term.

Their opening test is at Chatteris Town – another expected to be challenging for honours – with a 7.45pm under the floodlights at West Street.

“Promotion is the goal,” said Spavins. “But it will be far from easy.

“It looks like most teams in the league have strengthened and will think they can be in the mix at the end of the season.

“But we’re determined to take the club forward to a higher level and plans are in place – on and off the pitch – to try to make it happen.

“We’re on the verge of getting the required work started at the ground thanks to a lot of help from Mick George and a great committee at the club.”

Spavins has made a host of new signings with former Eynesbury men Rhys Thorpe, Ryan Vale, Owen Dixon and Callum Stockwell all joining.

Adam Kidman and Kieran Dale have followed new assistant boss Jack Goodger from Buckden.

Eaton Socon will need to finish in the top five to be considered for promotion, and above any other sides keen to go up.

The two other local teams in the Cambs League top-flight do battle on the opening night of the season.

Hemingfords United, who are under new management, entertain Brampton (6.15pm kick-off).

Matt Peacey is the new man at the Hemingfords helm and he’s hoping to inspire a rise up the standings after successive relegation scraps.

Former Godmanchester Rovers defender Nicky Hurst, ex-Needingworth man Michael Thompson and former Somersham ace Jake Asby feature among Peacey’s new signings.

Young goalkeeper Shay Griffiths, who is in the St Ives Town youth set-up, is another addition.

Brampton – under the guidance of Wayne Ambler again - are aiming to climb back into the top half of the table after finishing 11th last term.