BOURTON ROVERS kick off the new Hellenic League Division Two season with a trip to to Newent Town.

Rovers have enjoyed a solid pre-season with games against higher league opposition. Manager Scott Powles has given opportunities to fringe players and new additions over the summer.

Alongside ground developments, key signings have taken place to strength the Rovers squad. Attacker Steve Nurse has signed from FC Ajax, goalkeeper Simon Flower has signed from Brimscombe and Thrupp, Ex-Forest Green academy midfielder Ryvan Masardo joined while Sam Mattock has committed to another season Bourton.

Such key signings will strengthen Rovers' ambition to compete on all fronts and show the ambition the club has to develop talent.

A strong management trio has been confirmed, with Thomas Green continuing as Assistant Manager and Tony Inwood as First Team Coach. Both will work closely with Powles this season and key senior players.

Rovers travel to Newent Town Res on Saturday in the opening round of Hellenic League Division Two West fixtures.

They will be without striker Connor Teague but welcome back last season's leading scorer Josh Fielding after a recent groin injury.

Flower will go straight into the matchday squad along with new signings Steve Nurse and Ryvan Masardo.

Powles is delighted with the way pre-season has worked out and he's over the moon with this summer's signings.

He said: "Newent is a tough trip during any point of the season, but opening fixtures are always tight so we are expecting nothing less this coming Saturday.

"Newent is a fantastic club which is working hard to develop further and their first-team deservedly won our league last season.

"We’ve learnt a lot in the past few months and last season's disappointments will hopefully spur us on to go one better this time round."