Lordswood manager Richard Dimmock is determined to prove people wrong about his team this season but knows they face a tough start.

Dimmock managed to lead Lords to safety in the Southern Counties East Premier Division last season and has focussed on strengthening their defence ahead of the 2022/23 campaign which starts on Saturday.

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In preparation for a home game against one of the league’s promotion favourites Erith & Belvedere, Dimmock sent his side out to face last season’s SCEFL title winners Sheppey United.

“I wanted a tough test because next Saturday is going to be a tough test,” said the manager.

“They have signed players from higher leagues and I am expecting it to be tough.

“I am confident with what we have got and how we have gone about things pre-season. Hopefully we can have a top-half finish this season and a good cup run.”

The match ended 1-1 against Sheppey.

Lordswood keeper George Bentley saved an early Jack Midson penalty but the Ites took the lead through Jacob Lambert and went into the break a goal ahead. But it was honours even when David Jesus scored from the spot for Dimmock's side.

Defender Jamie Hursit is among the newcomers arriving to help improve the defence, joining from Isthmian North side Hashtag United.

Dimmock will also be hoping to add a striker to the squad before the weekend.

“It has come together just in time,” said the manager.

“Hopefully we can have a good start and prove a lot of people wrong.

"I do think a lot of people have always known Lordswood to be that kind of side, in the bottom half of the table, battling away, but I have spent quite a lot of my budget on the backline this year and I have saved a bit for a winger and a forward.”

Dimmock will hope skipper Callum O’Shea can overcome an ankle injury to be fit for the weekend, one of several midfield players who have been struggling with injury and keeping new physio Jack Coveney busy.

Lordswood drew 3-3 with Snodland Town on Saturday with goals from Dennis Agbudume, Jason Long and Zak Zakubowski.

Following Saturday’s home game against Erith & Belvedere, Lords head to Harefield United in the FA Cup next weekend and then travel to Glebe the following Saturday.

Dimmock said: “I have gone for half and half this year, between youth and experience, that experience can help the youngsters and it is showing in training, they are taking on board what I say.

"Hopefully we can have a good start, it is a tough start though.”