Hampton's Dowson Knows His Side Will Challenge Again

The club competed in the playoffs in 2016-17 despite their seventh place finish. They obtained a place after ground issues for both Hungerford and Poole but the Beavers manager wants them there again.

The manager, who may yet still add to his squad he confirmed, is facing up to a first day visit to East Thurrock United.

He said: “It’s not an easy place to go, if fancy it’s a place you don’t want to go! But I think if you’ve got to go there, go on the first day of the season.

“They’re a good and strong side but we think we are too, pre-season has gone well and we’re raring to go now.

“We’ll be up there I think,” he added. “I think we have a chance. I think we could have a good season all being well.

“One or two more players will definitely be coming in, hopefully this week. We’re talking to a few so hopefully we’ll have some news to report before too long.”