DROITWICH Spa aim to kick off their competitive season with a cup win at Bloxwich Town on Saturday (3pm).

They lost 2-1 in the Les James Challenge Cup at Bloxwich last August and joint manager Wayne Oliver expects a different outcome in the first round this time.

Oliver said: “It’s the same venue as last season, it’s always a difficult game and we hope to get a better result this year.”

The Saltmen hope for a more positive outcome to their season following disappointment at the end of 2016-2017.

They were denied promotion from Midland League Division Two despite finishing first after being deducted three points and falling outside the top two.

“We’re going to take this season as it comes. The league is stronger this time so third or fourth wouldn’t be a bad season,” said Oliver.

“We also have the FA Vase for the first time in the club's history so that will be a key game (against Pegasus Juniors).”

After a strong pre-season Droitwich hope to keep their momentum going.

“August is a funny month for football in terms of getting a team together,” said Oliver.

“The cricket season is still in place so any player dual-registered for both may not be available.”

There have been some personnel changes with the return of former captain Mark Burrows and the arrival of Daniel Cottrill and Chris Glover into the first team.

Louis Bridges and Jamie Smith have left for Racing Club Warwick and Worcester City respectively.

“We are planning to make a few more signings before the season gets under way,” added Oliver.

Spa begin their pursuit of promotion to Division One at home to Pelsall Villa a week on Wednesday at Stourport Swifts' Walshes Meadow (7.45pm).

They beat an Inkberrow XI 12-0 on Saturday with Nick Seabourne (3), Macaulay Finch (3), Max Crisp, Bradley Burgess (2), Haydn Morris (2) and Joe Mayo-Braiden scoring.