PHIL Simkin may have got his wish in terms of a home game on the opening day of the forthcoming campaign but he is under no illusions about the strength of the opposition.

New Eastbourne Borough boss Tommy Widdrington has certainly been splashing the cash of late but his Dorchester Town counterpart is hoping his settled squad will give the Magpies the upper hand when both teams lock horns on August 18.

Sports’ recent signings include ex-Dagen-ham & Redbridge skipper Anwar Uddin, former Thurrock forward Danny Knight and ex-Weymouth goalkeepers Danny Potter and Nick Jordan but they have lost one star name and that is Simkin’s latest recruit, Ben Watson.

On hearing the news of this season’s curtain-raiser, the Dorchester boss said: “That’s not such a bad start. It’s a home game and that is all you can really ask for.

“Tommy Widdrington has just taken over at Eastbourne and I have no doubts they will be strong this year but it is not the worst start in the world.

“We have had poor starts the last few seasons and that is something we are determined to change.

“The aim is to begin quickly and get some points on the board before the cup games start and just build from there.

“Eastbourne will certainly be an interesting first game for Ben and I am sure the rest of the lads will also be looking forward to it too.

“We return for pre-season training on Thursday and with the friendlies and pre-season programme Stuart Heath has put together it should ensure we are fit and raring to go come August 18.”

Trips to Staines Town and Farnborough lie in wait for the Magpies immediately after the Borough opener in a busy early schedule which will see them tackle 10 Blue Square Bet South games in just 45 days.

Simkin added: “The first couple of months are always busy but I think we have got a slight advantage this year because we have kept the same squad of players together and are just looking to build on what we did last season.

“We play a certain way and with Ben on board now, I have no doubts he will come in and make a massive difference.

“Everyone knows we have not got the biggest budget in the world but what we do possess is an honest bunch of players that have been together a while and I think that is quite important.”

Other key games on Town’s calendar include a final-day showdown with Weston-super-Mare at the Avenue and a double-header against Truro City over the Christmas period.