04/08/10…United gear up for League start (Contributed)

FOLLOWING their success last season in clinching the Division One East title, Thame United begin life in the Hellenic Premier Division with a home fixture against Ascot United on Tuesday, August 10.

The match sees United return to the Premier Division after three seasons in Division One East and manager Mark West knows what to expect: Tthere will be a step up in class this season and we know that to be competitive we will have to give 100% in each game,” he said.

“That said, if we play to our potential, we will be a match for anyone in the league.”

West and assistant manager, Frank Thompson, having been working hard in the close season to bring in new faces to add to the championship winning squad. In comes goal keeper Milan Barisic from Oxford City Nomads, striker Alex Stewart from Marlow and defenders, James Saulsbury and Martin Brown from Aylesbury FC and Didcot Town respectively ? all of whom will be familiar to United supporters having previously played for the Club.

“We now have a balance of experience and youth in the squad and greater strength in depth, that will put us in good stead come the game against Ascot,” added West.

United have also come in to form during the pre-season. Despite losing their opening game 2-1 at Woodley Town, they have since beaten Woodcote and Stoke Row (5-0), Chinnor (3-0) and Penn and Tylers Green (4-1), and last Tuesday held Southern League side Marlow to a 0-0 draw and, indeed, could count themselves unlucky not to have beaten their higher league opposition.

United will be looking to continue that form in their opening league game against Ascot United on August 10.

Kick off is at 7:45pm at AFC Wallingford, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford.