Stowmarket Town manager Rick Andrews is ‘very satisfied’ with his new-look squad, ahead of their Thurlow Nunn Division One opener at March Town tomorrow.

The Town boss has strengthened his team with Whitton United trio Tom Bradlaugh, Josh Cappoci and Josh Cheetham among those to sign, while last season’s skipper Ben Garnham has also re-joined, despite interest from Premier Division team Felixstowe & Walton United.

The pre-season has seen the team suffer defeats to Premier Division sides Felixstowe, Hadleigh and Walsham-le-Willows but Andrews was keen for his players to test themselves against higher division teams.

“I am very satisfied with the progress we have made,” said Andrews, who will be without Garnham and Sean Rae (suspended), last season’s leading scorer Wayne Proctor and John McGlinn (injured) on Saturday. Chris Gray is also doubtful through injury.

“We played a friendly against Hadleigh this week and lost 5-1 and maybe ran out of legs in the last 15 minutes or so.

“But for the first 60-65 minutes we gave a very good account of ourselves and received a lot of compliments from the Hadleigh supporters.

“I have deliberately wanted my players to face teams in a higher division and not only that, top-six teams.

“We have not been overawed and the games have been very competitive.

After tomorrow, Town then host Team Bury on Tuesday and Dereham Town next Saturday.

“The games come thick and fast early on,” said Andrews.

“March have a new manager and several new players. We won 7-0 there last season, but both teams have made changes since then.”

Elsewhere in Division One, Jamie Scales makes his managerial debut, in charge of Woodbridge Town, at Team Bury.

Needham Market Reserves travel to Dereham Town, Halstead Town host Downham Town, King’s Lynn Town entertain Cornard United and Great Yarmouth Town go to Long Melford.

The remaining games see Debenham LC travel to Saffron Walden Town and Swaffham Town host Haverhill Borough.