New era for Cirencester Town starts with a home game against Histon (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

New era for Cirencester Town starts with a home game against Histon

HISTON provide the opposition on Saturday (3pm ko) as newly promoted Cirencester Town begin their first campaign in the Premier Division of the Southern Football League with a home fixture at their Corinium Stadium.

In their centenary year, Histon FC are located in a small town three miles north of Cambridge with a population of only 9,000.

Last season, they had an average home crowd of 246 with a highest gate of 961 for their fixture with King's Lynn.

Promoted from the League's Eastern Division, Histon finished as runners-up to King's Lynn and were the highest scorers in all three of the Southern League's Divisions with 96 goals in 42 games.

They were also presented with the league's Fair Play Award for its players receiving fewest cautions during the season and are managed by Steve Fallon, ex- Cambridge United legend.

Centurions manager Brian Hughes has the same squad of players as last season, with the exception of Matthew McEntegart, who has moved to Chippenham Town.

Hughes' latest additions to the team include Nathan Edwards (Chippenham Town), Adam Hemmings (Gloucester City), Kevin Halliday (Worcester City) and Neil Arndale (Bristol Rovers).

For next week's first mid-week league fixture, Cirencester will be travelling to Tiverton on Wednesday evening.

Town finished a commendable pre-season campaign last Thursday night with a 1-0 victory away to Bishop's Cleeve.

In fact, Cirencester's only defeat in their series of friendlies was a close 1-2 loss against a Swindon XI on Thursday, July 29.

As far as Brian Hughes is concerned, he's happy enough with the way the preamble to a new campaign has gone.

But his view is: "I never hold too much in store by what happens in pre-season. Things have gone pretty well so far, and I think were in good shape.

"But many will remember only too well that we had a disastrous start to last season, until that long, unbeaten run took us into contention for promotion.

"As far as this new league is concerned, I believe everyone is in the same boat and all the teams will be wondering just how strong the opposition is.

"I've retained virtually all of the squad that took us to promotion last season, as well as a number of new signings, and I'm sure we will do our very best."