Holcombe ladies’ 1sts open their East Women’s League Premier Division campaign tomorrow (Saturday) with a home game against Wapping (12.30pm).

The team have a new coach this season in former Canterbury player Vanessa Lines, with Holcombe vice-chairman Mike Haines saying: "Vanessa wants to concentrate on coaching now and she has been a breath of fresh air since she joined the club in August."

The ladies have signed another former Canterbury player, midfielder Nicola Joy, who hasn’t played for nearly two years after having a baby, and the squad will also be strengthened by the return of midfielder Anna Osborn, who is also returning after having a baby, and striker Cheryl Lee, who was sidelined for much of last season by a hand injury.

Mr Haines (pictured) added: "We are quietly optimistic about the new season. We played Wapping in a pre-season tournament last weekend and won 4-1 and so that has given us a little confidence boost."

Holcombe men’s first team begin the new Men’s Conference East season with a tough game at Canterbury on Sunday.

Canterbury narrowly missed out on promotion last season after finishing second, five places above Holcs.

The Rochester club have played three pre-season warm-up matches, beating Brighton & Hove and Fareham and drawing with Havant.

Holcombe hammered Brighton & Hove 13-2 at home last week.

Dave Mathews scored four goals and Liam Foster, Simon Ramsden and Stephane Vehrie-Smith each bagged a brace.