Andy Pratt admits Canterbury face a stiff test as they seek to recover from a disappointing start to the season with a daunting National 2 South trip to Cambridge.

The city club suffered a stoppage-time loss to Clifton in their season-opener at Merton Lane on Saturday but will be looking to bounce back as they travel to face a newly-relegated side with eyes on an immediate return to National 1 South.

Head coach Pratt said: “Of course we were disappointed. We were slow out of the blocks, like we were in pre-season and have got to be better.

“That said, there were lots of positives and we played some good stuff. We could easily have won the game."

He added: “It was disappointing, especially at home, where we had such a good record last year."

The city club struggled on the road last term but Pratt admitted his side want to improve on their travels this season.

He said: “We want to try and pick some more points up away from home. It’s not going to be easy this weekend, though, Cambridge have come down and they are always strong and ambitious.

“Their win at Redruth on the opening day is a clear signal of their intentions.”

Tom Best (knee) and Charlie Harding (back) face fitness tests.