Challenging for this year’s ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division title is the next natural step for Pinchbeck United.
That’s the view of player/boss Ian Dunn ahead of Saturday’s tricky opener at Netherton United (2pm).
Pinchbeck, who finished third last season and won the President Premier Shield, come into the game in high spirits after an impressive pre-season campaign.
They won 1-0 at Spilsby Town in their final friendly on Saturday, with Tony Edwards netting a late winner.
That ensured that Pinchbeck finished pre-season with seven wins and one draw from eight games, with 20 goals scored and only four conceded.
Those results stretched Pinchbeck’s unbeaten run to 28 games, a run that goes back to February.
Dunn, who has added the likes of Ollie Maltby, Jack Smith, Chris Shipley, Tom Panton and Fabio Ramos to his squad, expects that form to translate into a title tilt.
He said: “We’re full of confidence after pre-season, especially considering we beat the likes of Wisbech Town and Blackstones.
“You can tell the confidence in the squad. Winning a cup and going on such a great run to finish third last season means that the lads come into this one buzzing.
“That’s something the new lads have picked up on and we’re certainly ready to get started.
“What we’ve shown over the final few months of last season and during pre-season is championship form.
“The natural progression from last season is to challenge for the title – and I think we’re equipped for that.
“It won’t be easy – I’d expect Netherton, Moulton Harrox, Peterborough Sports and Stanground all to be in the mix.”
It shouldn’t take long for Dunn to discover what his Pinchbeck side are made off.
The opener at Netherton, who finished one point behind them last season, will be played on their 3G pitch.
Pinchbeck then visit South Holland rivals Holbeach United Reserves (Tuesday, 6.30pm), host Sawtry, travel to Moulton and then welcome to Peterborough Sports to Knight Street in August.
Dunn hopes to emerge unscatched from five tough tests and admits that he’d take a draw on Saturday.
He added: “If we can go unbeaten through August, I’ll be happy. It’s a very tough start for us.
“You’ve got to play the likes of Netherton and Moulton sometime, but we certainly can’t afford a few early defeats.
“You never know. Netherton have made a few changes over the summer, so maybe it’s a good time to play them.
“But that – and Holbeach away on Tuesday – won’t be easy.”
Dunn misses the game himself after having ankle surgery over the summer.
Also sidelined are Shipley and Portuguese ace Ramos, with the latter still awaiting international clearance in order to make his competitive bow.
