GORNAL boss Andy Wyton says his players are in great shape ahead of this weekend's season opener.

Athletic kick off their West Midlands Premier Division campaign with an away trip to Willenhall Town on Saturday as they look to bounce straight back following last season's relegation.

Wyton said: "Everyone is raring to go. It has been a really good pre-season and preparations couldn't have gone any better.

"The whole squad has trained well and performed well in our pre-season games.

"It is important to get off to a good start, especially after we were relegated last season.

"We want to win a few of the early games as that breeds confidence throughout the side and will hopefully enable us to progress and get stronger as the season goes on."

The Peacocks will be without Ross Love, Drenz Bala, Craig Stevens on Saturday due to suspension.

Gornal will follow up their start with another away contest against contest Ellesmere Rangers next Tuesday. Their first game at Garden Walk comes on Saturday, August 19 against Wolverhampton Casuals.