Pitchero Non League

Mark Saunders

.....team are better prepared for the campaign ahead than they were this time last year as the club's key players have had a full pre-season behind them.

Injuries to players such as Paul Kendall, Adam Faux and Michael Nardiello meant they were not match fit when the 2011/12 term started.

But after watching his side beat Truro City 3-1 last Saturday, Saunders revealed his delight at the Yellows' fitness with their campaign kicking off at home to Abingdon United a week on Saturday.

"The difference between this moment now and the same time last year is that we have Paul Kendall who is much fitter, Adam Faux is much fitter, Nards is much fitter and Jules Emati-Emati is much fitter," said Saunders. "That means we are already much better prepared for this season than we were last season and hopefully that will make a difference.

"The boys are looking in good shape and we are looking forward to the start of the new season."

Tivvy did go down 3-2 at Witheridge on Monday, despite goals from Saunders and Nardiello.

But looking ahead to Saturday's pre-season clash with Weymouth at Ladysmead, Saunders says the Southern Premier Division side will be hard to beat.

"Weymouth will be a very different game to any of the other ones we have played so far this season," he said.

"They have signed a good few players for the season ahead so you can't help but think they will be a strong outfit, especially with the division they play in."

Saunders also hailed Tivvy's goal-scoring options, after Emati-Emati and Joe Bushin scored in the win over Truro.

And with youngster Owen Howe also pressing his claims for a starting spot and Nardiello hoping to play his part, Saunders is optimistic about the Yellows' goalscoring prospects.

"Joe had two really well-taken goals and that is two goals in two games from Jules too so that is very encouraging for both of them," said Saunders.

"It does not matter who you are playing against, scoring goals always gives you confidence and that is exactly what has happened here.

"We have also got Owen Howe who has been scoring goals and could also feature up front for us.

"He has been looking quite sharp for us recently. I certainly wouldn't have any problem with bringing him in and seeing how he does.

"Michael has started a new job but he has already given me a copy of his shift patterns so I know when he will and will not be available.

"I don't think he will be missing too much but at least we'll know in advance whenever he will be so it shouldn't be a problem for us."

Tags: News | Tiverton Town

• The Evo-Stik League Southern
• Premier Division
  • + Things Coming Together Well at Frome
  • + Bearman Makes Striker His Second Recruit
  • + Pro Clubs Keen on Boro Keeper
  • + Bearman Makes First New Signing
  • + Dozen Tudors Re-Sign - New Keeper Joins
  • + Pike Looks to Bolster Boro Squad
  • + AFC Totton Left in Limbo
  • + Tudors Strengthen Both Ends of the Pitch
  • + Two Long-Serving Stones Become Saints
• Division One Central
  • + Smith Appointed Curfews Number Two
• Division One South & West
  • + Webb Thinks League Will Be Stronger
  • + New Boss Wants to Make Cleeve a Force
  • + Didcot Appoint Wallbridge
  • + Fey Has No Fears Over `Tight` Budget
  • + Cherries Returning to Cuthbury
  • + Coup Signings for Peacocks
  • + Duharty Stays - Turley Leaves Mangos
  • + Bevan Leaves Shortwood Role
  • + Contacts Key for New Evesham Manager
  • + Evesham Appoint Cunnington