Boss Mark Spavins has urged his Eaton Socon men to make the most of home advantage as they launch their Kershaw Premier Division promotion bid.

The local lads begin their Cambs League top-flight campaign by entertaining Hardwick on Tuesday (6.15pm kick-off) in the first of five successive home games.

Spavins, who steered his side to fourth place last term, said: “We have three midweek games and the first two Saturday fixtures all at home – and we have to take advantage by getting off to a good start.

“It’s a tough opener against Hardwick, who were runners-up last season, but we’re hoping to be up there challenging for the title and promotion if everything goes to plan.”

That hasn’t been the case in pre-season with Eaton Socon seeing two players seriously injured. Full back Joe Kokotka suffered a broken ankle while new wideman Barry Clarke broke his arm.

Eaton Socon officially opened their newly-named Mick George Stadium ahead of a pre-season friendly defeat at the hands of Biggleswade FC last Saturday. The club has received a £34,500 cash injection from the company to finance a major revamp of the River Road venue as they bid to bring it up to the required specification for non-league football.

Jon Stump, finance director at Mick George Ltd, said: “The strong community ethos at Eaton Socon FC is clearly visible. Players and management are predominantly recruited from the local area and we envisage the funding will help increase the opportunities for more talent to emerge.”