Market Drayton Town visit Glapwell tomorrow in the revamped and re-named Evo-Stik League South for what will be a tough, travelling start to their season.
Three of their first four games are away, the one welcome exception being on Wednesday when they face one of the competition’s newcomers, Sutton Coldfield, at Greenfields (7.45pm). Former Shrewsbury Town ace Steve Jagielka misses tomorrow’s game because of a commitment made before becoming Town’s star signing, but will make his league debut on Wednesday.
After that game, Town face demanding journeys to Hereford against Westfields in an FA Cup preliminary qualifier on Saturday, August 28 and to Newcastle Town in the league on Bank Holiday Monday.
“It’s certainly going to be a testing start for us,” said manager Simon Line yesterday.
“But things have built up well pre-season, with particularly good performances in our last two games.
“We have a pretty handy record against Glapwell and, in a way, the FA Cup draw has been kind to us for Westfields are in a lower division – but they’re certainly no pushovers on their own patch.”
If Town win at Westfields, they are away to Pilkington or Bromsgrove Rovers in the first qualifying round on September 18.
Town coach Mick Murphy will be back on the bench tomorrow too. A meeting with Line and club officials last Thursday ended amicably with him withdrawing a shock resignation made in the wake of Delwyn Humphreys returning as Line’s assistant.
Line said: “I’m delighted we’ve sorted it all out and Mick’s staying on. It was a good meeting. He has a key role with us, as does Delwyn.”
Murphy added: “Things are fine now.”
By Terry Morris