MALVERN Town will tomorrow kick-off their first season at Step 5 with a local derby at Westfields in the Hellenic League Premier Division clash (7.45pm).

It will be a stern test against one of the sides being tipped-up as promotion hopefuls in the league but Malvern go into the 2021/22 campaign full of confidence themselves.

They have had an encouraging pre-season, including a win against Evesham United and after victories in the FA Vase in the last 18 months against higher level opposition, The Hillsiders will no doubt surprise a few.

In addition to that, Malvern have been able to bring Dave Reynolds back to his hometown club for a third stint and he can’t wait for the action to get underway.

"Everyone is excited for the football to be back," he said.

"The past two years have been very disruptive but with the added incentive of a new league and new opportunities, we’re all ready to get out there and show what we can do.

"As a club we are more than ready to face the challenge of Step 5; a lot of the lads here have played at this level before and those that haven’t are more than capable of making the step up, so the transition shouldn’t be a massive shock.

"For me personally, I just want to be playing regularly and have a full season without disruptions. I am enjoying being back; there’s a great atmosphere within the group and that will stand us in good stead and hopefully show in our performances."

Reynolds has often returned to the HDAnywhere Community Stadium after two spells with Worcester City and a short venture up at Step 4 with Evesham United.

But now the striker hopes he can play a part in continuing to push Town on to further success having been promoted from Step 6 after the FA's restructure of the non-league pyramid.

"I am here to help the team in any way I can. I want us to compete at the highest level possible and keep building on the fantastic progress that has been made.

"I haven’t set myself a specific target in terms of goals, being a striker I go into every game believing I will score. It is important to back yourself.

"With Tuesday’s game and then the FA Cup at Highgate United on Saturday, there is a lot to look forward to this week. These are the games that you want to be involved in and hopefully we’ll get good backing from the fans in both of them."

The game with Westfields at Allpay Park is a ticketed event; admission is £7 (adults), £5 (seniors and concessions) and £1 (under-16s).

Bar and refreshments will be available from 6.30pm – there will be limited onsite parking.