Pitchero Non League

Martyn Lakin

The Poachers kick-off their ChromaSport United Counties League Premier Division campaign on Saturday with a trip to Newport Pagnell Town.

And the tough contests will come thick and fast as Town host fierce derby rivals Holbeach United at Tattershall Road three days later.

With the Poachers following these clashes up with an all-important FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round match, Lakin knows his side have to hit the ground running.

“We need to get off to a good start,” he said.

“We have some tough opening fixtures, and it is important for us to shape our season early on.”

However, Lakin, who is in the Poachers dug-out for his second season, believes his side should be a team for others to fear.

“We have to go out and show what we can do,” he added.

“We have hopes for this season like every other club, and I know our team is good enough to compete.

“If we get off to a good start it sets us up nicely for the season.”

Newport Pagnell finished third in the UCL Premier last season, four places and twenty-two points ahead of Town.

But with new signing Danny Matson joining veteran goal-grabber Gary Bull and Alex Beck, the Poachers have an attack which looks more than capable of scoring goals.

Matson joined Boston after turning down an approach from fen rivals Holbeach.

And when the two sides meet on Tuesday there will be even more to play for than the fierce bragging rights between the Poachers and Tigers.

John Chand’s Holbeach side have spent the summer snapping up Paul Goodhand, Loz Lambley, Adam Jackson, plus Lewis Brooks, all four of whom played at Tattershall Road last season.

Lakin was quick to talk down suggestions of a rift with Chand, saying he gets on well with the Tigers boss.

But with so much player-swapping between the two sides, both Boston and Holbeach will be desperate for a bit of one-upmanship.

Tags: News | Chromasport United Counties League Division One

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