Prescot Cables boss Steven Daley is looking forward to getting their campaign underway against Eccleshill United in the FA Cup.
The Pesky Bulls have enjoyed a glut of goals during their preparations for the new season, firing home 29 times.
There is a quiet confidence surrounding the Northern Premier League West side after positive displays during the off-season. Towards the back end of the previous campaign, Daley began seeing positive signs from his squad as his side glued together.
“We’ve made a couple of additions, things have gone really well. There’s a couple of injuries still but the squad is in a really, we’re strong and we’re looking forward to it,” he told Off The Park.
“Pre-season is always difficult to keep everyone happy, when you’ve got a big squad you’ve got to get everyone up to speed fitness-wise, then you’ve got to give everyone a chance to stake their claims. Saturday is game time and ready to go, it’s what we all look forward to.
“I’m happy with the squad we’ve built, the dressing room is really good and we can’t wait to get going.
“It’s always good to get a competitive game before you start the league campaign, there’s nothing like it and it sets you up for the first game of the season.
“They say with the ‘Magic of the FA Cup’ anything can happen, we’ve got to make sure that we look after ourselves, take care of our business and if we are, I’m optimistic.”
Eccleshill United are somewhat of an unknown entity. AFC Liverpool fans will know them well after they were knocked out of the FA Vase last season in the Fourth Round.
By the time the two sides collide on Saturday, the Northern Counties East side will have played two competitive fixtures in their respective league campaign.
Daley warns his players of the negative impact that having a slow start can have. He added: “If you don’t come out of the blocks quick, you can find yourself behind.
“We have no issues with our lads fitness-wise, it’s the FA Cup, there’s no better game to get off to a good start in. The result is what matters but it would be nice to put a performance in as well, if you’re asking me result over performance, I’ll take that every week.”
