Metropolitan Police v Ashford Town

ASHFORD Town boss Tim Thorogood is in confident mood ahead of his side's Ryman League Division 1 opener at Metropolitan Police on Saturday.

Town only avoided relegation on the final day last season, but Thorogood belives the squad has the potential to become one of the surprise packages this time around.

He said: "I don’t like making predictions because they can come back to haunt you but I don’t think we’re a side that will struggle.

"Originally I was looking to finish mid-table or above but I think we’re better than that. I genuinely believe the side we’ve assembled will surprise a few people this season.

"On the evidence of last season the Ryman League is physically tougher than the Southern League but I don’t think there’s anything for us to fear.

"We’ve played a few Premier Division teams and not one of them has been better than us."