TIVIDALE will begin their assault on the West Midlands Premier League this Saturday.

The promotion hopefuls start with a trip to Smethwick Rangers (3pm) as they look to go one better than last season's second-placed finish.

The majority of last season's squad were quick to sign up for another campaign at Packwood Road as Tivi target title glory.

Boss Dave King has been pleased with his pre-season preparations and thinks everything is in place ahead of the big kick-off

He said: "We are ready now and everyone is really looking forward to it.

"Our friendlies have been really good but nothing quite beats the real thing.

"We had a fantastic season last season and the lads are all very determined once again. Even though we haven't got the biggest budget in the league, as a group of individuals we all want to be up there challenging again.

"We kept the majority of the lads together which will hopefully be a big positive for us as well.

"I've been easing them in and we're ready to go."

A week after their season opener Tividale will go to Sporting Khalsa in the FA Cup.

"It will be very tough for us as I think their three new signings would probably cover the whole of my 16," added the boss.

"We did well in the competition last year but all we care about at the moment is that first league game."

Freddy Watts and Rion Francis-Mills have picked up knocks in recent weeks but should be available for Saturday's contest.

Their first home game at the Beeches is against Wolverhampton Casuals on Saturday, August 15.