BEWDLEY boss Phil Mullen is targeting a top-four finish in the league this season – but is first aiming to navigate past a “difficult” tie in the FA Cup this weekend.

Mullen’s side open the season with an FA Cup qualifying round tie against Midland League Premier Division outfit Westfield on Saturday.

He said: “It is going to be a difficult one as they are in a higher league than us but you never know.

“Anybody at our level would love to have a run in the cup and get some money in the coffers too.”

Town kick off their league action away to Pegasus Juniors on Tuesday and an optimistic Mullen wants his side to start on the front-foot.

He said: “I am optimistic about the season ahead. We have got one or two players who are not here but we have a squad of about 19 players and I am happy with where we are at.

“We had a cluster of games at the end of last season and we still managed to finish sixth but we have got to improve on that.

“Once everyone is back firing on all cylinders we can give anyone a game, so we have got to be aiming for the top four at least.”

Mullen is also hopeful of a “clear programme” at home this season following works to install new drainage at Ribbesford Meadows.