BEWDLEY Town will be hoping to get off to a winning start in the West Midlands League Premier Division but they face a tough test at Dudley Sports on Saturday.

That’s the opinion of joint-manager Craig Payton who admits the Black Country outfit are something of a bogey side for his side.

However, Payton is hoping a large travelling army can cheer the Wyre Forest outfit to victory on Saturday (3pm kick-off) and then go to Ribbesford Meadow on Tuesday night to watch them begin their home league account against Wolverhampton Community Sports (7.45pm ko).

“It’s not an easy game to start with, Sports have been a bit of a bogey side for us over the last few seasons,” commented Payton.

“But it’s good we’re playing them early on and hopefully we can get three points on the board.

“I am hoping we get a good following because they can make a difference.”

Town head into the new season full of optimism they can make a promotion push.

Bewdley finished in the top-six last year as well as retaining the Worcestershire FA Senior Urn and they will be looking to build on that momentum.

They also received a boost this week on the goalkeeper front with the signing of Craig Mole from Sunday league outfit Wolverley and Matt Williams, who had previously played for both Kidderminster Harriers and Stourport Swifts ’ youth teams.

They will be vying for a starting spot on Saturday after first choice Darren Steadman picked up a groin injury in last Tuesday’s 7-0 friendly loss to Stourbridge.

There was also positive news for veteran shot-stopper Steadman, who is now set to only be put for two to three weeks recovering, rather than the initial six.

Payton said: “We’ve managed to bring in two keepers so that’s good news for the club.

“We were obviously worried when Darren got injured and learned Tom Harper had joined Dudley Town.

“But we’ve got Craig (Mole) and Matt (Williams) and thankfully Darren’s groin injury is not as bad a we first thought.”

However, Payton’s managerial partner Bryan Layton is set to be out for six weeks after he underwent surgery on a troublesome knee injury. Coach Paul Scott will be assisting Layton in his absence.

“Everyone from the club wishes Bryan a speedy recovery,” added Payton.