Most eyes may still be on Germany and the European Championships, but at the same time, Fenland sides have started their pre-season preparations.
March Town and Wisbech Town are gearing up for their seasons in the United Counties League Premier South and North respectively while it is another term in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division North for Parson Drove.
March started their friendly fixtures with an impressive 4-1 win at fellow Step 5 outfit Heacham on Saturday, new signing Dan Cotton on target as well as Craig Gillies, Stef Cavozzi and a trialist.
On signing striker Cotton, manager Ash Taylor said: “I am really excited that Dotty has agreed to join the club as he’s a player I’ve admired for a long time.
“To be honest when I highlighted him as a player to try and sign I didn’t think we would have much of a chance but one thing led to another that worked in our favour.
“He brings bags of experience, real quality and calmness in front of goal and is a proven goalscorer at Step 4 having been Cambridge City’s top scorer and is Yaxley’s all time top scorer with 215 goals.
“Along with his goals, he’s also a proven winner and exactly the type of character the team needs to help us keep moving forward.”
Cotton said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead, the ambition from the manager is to better last season and I’m hoping I can be the difference in achieving that goal.”
Tomorrow night (Wednesday) The Hares are in action at FC Peterborough, who play in the same league as Parson Drove, kick-off 7.45pm.
Next Tuesday, they are away at St Ives Town, with Soham Town Rangers the visitors on Saturday 13, Lakenheath coming to town on Tuesday 16th and a trip to Ely City on Saturday 20. The season starts the following Saturday.
They have been drawn at home to Retford in the preliminary round of the United Counties League KO Cup, on a date to be fixed, and away at Netherton United in the preliminary round of the Hinchingbrooke Cup, with the tie to be played before September 30.
The club is holding a Family Fun Day this Saturday, with live wrestling, bouncy castle, face painting, live music a penalty shoot-out competition, a car boot sale, bar and food. It is £5 entry and kids go free, with season tickets for sale on the day priced £120 (adults), £75 (over-65 and 16-17-year-olds). The fun starts at midday.
Wisbech Town start their pre-season on Saturday with a 1pm home kick-off against Gary Setchell’s Corby Town. On Tuesday evening they visit Holbeach United, before Peterborough Sports visit next Saturday.
Downham Town come to Fountain Fresh Park on Tuesday 16 and the games conclude with a game at Heacham on Saturday 20.
Early bird season tickets can now be purchased from the Bygones Cafe at the ground, £140 for adults and £90 for concessions until August 1 when both prices go up £10.
The club announced in May that Ross McNeil will be assisting manager Alex Street in the dugout this season.
Parson Drove start their pre-season with a game at Yaxley tonight and play at Witchford on Saturday 13. They are away at Wittering Premiair the following Saturday 20, at Dersingham Rovers on Saturday 27 and at Moulton Harrox on Wednesday 31.
Drove will travel to play Eynesbury Rovers in the preliminary round of the Hnchingbrooke Cup, date to be fixed.
