WELLINGTON face a tough opening game in the Toolstation League Premier Division next Tuesday - away to Keynsham Town who won the first division last season, writes Barry Knott.

“They have since strengthened their side with players from Manor Farm,” said Wellington boss Clive Jones, who has struggled to recruit this summer.

“In all my 20 years in management I’ve never known a summer like it,” he said. “I’ve tried everything I know to get players but much of the time they want silly money. I cannot believe what some clubs are paying out.

“The result is that we are going to field a very youthful side at Keynsham. I will try and help these young players and the good thing is you cannot be relegated in the first month of the season.

“It’s going to be hard at Keynsham because they play on an all-weather pitch. It has to be a major advantage for them.

“What we have to do is to make it difficult for sides to play against us. 

“Unfortunately, we go there without three regular first team players and there are six missing for the cup tie at Cribbs the following Saturday.”

Wellington finished 16th in the premier division last season but well clear of the relegation zone. “Obviously, I would like to finish higher than this - but it’s going to be difficult. We can only go out there and give it our best shot,” added Jones who begins his fifth season in charge at Wellington.

Wellington were due to complete their build-up to the new season with a friendly at Chard last night.

Meanwhile Wellington Reserves, who won 4-1 in a warm-up match away to Taunton Saturday League champions Bishops Lydeard Reserves on Friday, are looking to play a friendly at Kentisbeare this evening (July 31).