League action set to kick off for Holwell Sports and Melton Town

Both sides will start their campaigns at home, Town hosting Wellingborough Whitworth while Sports welcome Huntingdon (both 3pm).

“Everyone wants to make a statement first game of the season and everyone wants to get points on the board,” said Holwell boss Neil Miller, who believes the visitors will be much improved from last season.

“When you listen to the conversations going around the UCL, we hear that Huntingdon will be that kind of team that will be improved.

“They won’t be the same Huntingdon side as last season, we absolutely know that.

“We have to make sure that the players don’t think they’re going into meeting the same side they did last season.”

Holwell were pushing for a top-eight finish and FA Cup spot when action was curtailed last season.

This year Miller wants the club to build upon that.

He added: “My answer is, always to sustain, to make sure we have what we did last season and continue the good work.

“We want to be better in strength and depth and set targets again of doing well in the FA Vase and continue the momentum forward on the pitch and off the pitch.

“That’s key. If we can sustain that, the results on the pitch will come.”

Melton were confident of securing promotion last season when the COVID-19 pandemic left their dreams in ruins.

But boss Tom Manship wants his squad to complete the campaign by settling unfinished business.

“They’re all going to be tough games,” he said ahead of the arrival of Whitworth.

“We want to be the team to beat from our performances, but every team that comes to us will be a test.”

Indeed, Manship expects Wellingborough to be the first of many sides keen to claim the Melton scalp.

“They’re going to raise their game and that’s up to us to stand up to that,” he added.

“At home, the pitch is in good shape and we’re looking forward to playing again.

“We’re positive. I’ve given the team a test in every (pre-season) game and we’ve taken nice compliments from managers of higher-level clubs, so we’re good to go.

“It’s all positive. We’re happy with the players, the new signings who have come on board, and we’re happy with the original lads who were here before.”