Moss is ready for the new challenge as ladies gear up for National League (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Moss is ready for the new challenge as ladies gear up for National League

2:00pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in Sport

COACH Mark Moss believes Stourport Ladies must be ready for the challenge of playing in the National League.

The Midlands Premier champions start their first season at national level in the Conference West at home on Saturday when they take on Barnes Hounslow Ealing (noon start).

They go into the season with plenty of momentum after their table-topping efforts last term but Moss believes they will face a tough test.

He said: “We’ve obviously been used to winning more games than we’ve lost in the last few years, so we might have a change of mindset.

“After quite a few years at aiming for promotion, this time we’ll be looking to consolidate and avoid relegation.

“But we go in on the back of a great year last season and that momentum will be important.”

Stourport have bolstered the size of their squad to cope with the rigours of the National League but overall, it will be the same group of players who have produced promotion-winning heroics.

Moss added: “Training has been the best ever and we’re looking in good.

“We’re going to be facing teams who will play to the whistle and can change the game at will, the challenge will be to see if we can compete against stronger, faster teams.

“Promoted sides generally go down straight away, so we’re under no illusions about the task in hand.”

Moss will not be present so assistant James Terry, will lead Stourport out. Before the game the newly re-laid pitch will be officially opened.

Meanwhile, the seconds lost to Solihull Blossomfield 5-1 in a friendly, with Teresa Moss on target.

The thirds went down 4-1 to Badsey, as Leanne Styzaker scored a consolation effort.

Rosie Connolly (4), Louise Wall (2) and scored as the fifths saw off Droitwich seconds 7-1.