New Moulton Harrox boss Dave Panton has a chance to win silverware in his first game in charge tonight (Friday).
Harrox take on Whittlesey Athletic in the Jack Hogg Charity Shield at Peterborough Northern Star’s Mick George Arena (7.30pm).
Perhaps even bigger is Tuesday’s first ChromaSport Peterborough Premier Division game of the Panton era, with Moulton welcoming South Holland rivals Pinchbeck United to Broad Lane (6.30pm).
The new boss, who replaced Paul Kent over the summer, is expecting a tough baptism.
Panton said: “It has been an interesting pre-season, with good training and great commitment from the players.
“Both games are going to be very competitive indeed. Whittlesey have a very good squad. Even though they have lost a couple of players, the reserve team from last season won the Division One title – meaning they have quality in depth.
“I expect a very difficult game, but it’s also a fixture we are capable of winning.
“Our fixture with Pinchbeck is always a crowd watcher between two very good local teams with local players.
“For years it’s been a tough encounter and I expect no different this year. Ian and his new assistant have been very busy building up the club with good players, so it will be another extra tough game at Broad Lane.”
Panton has stamped his authority on the squad by bringing in ex-Bourne Town Reserves trio John Ball, Tom Cardall and Jake Cawthorne, while Tom Panton and Martin Sandall have both rejoined the club. But Phil Groves has decided to step down as skipper.
Panton added: “Phil believes the team would benefit from a different voice this season.
“He is still 100 per cent committed to Moulton, but feels the team would benefit from a new captain.
“I completely respect his views – and was more than happy to allow Phil to continue captaining the club. I will announce the captain at Friday’s game.”
