TOOLSTATION LEAGUE: Tough start ahead for Melksham (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE: Tough start ahead for Melksham

3:00pm Friday 3rd August 2012 in Sport

MELKSHAM Town face a tough test on their return to the Toolstation League Premier Division with a trip to Willand Rovers on Saturday.

Dave Clayton’s side, who clinched promotion from the First Division last season, travel to Devon to take on a side who have been in the top five for the last five seasons.

Melksham have seen defenders Luke Smith, Matt Cooper and Jamie Oliver depart this summer but former manager Adam Young has returned, alongside midfielder Nathan Flower.

“It’s going to be tough but we’re going to carry on doing what we do and trying to play the same kind of football that did us so well last year,” said Clayton. “It’s a tough start but you’ve got to play everyone at some point.”

Corsham Town are back in the First Division after relegation but Trevor Rawlings’ squad boast a new strength in depth after the returns of Dan King, Ross Lye, Jamie Moss, Darrin Moss and Craig Gingell, as well as the signing of Rich Holton.

They start their season at home to Shrewton United.

Devizes Town are looking to bounce back from finishing bottom of the table in their last campaign and have brought in goalkeeper Alex Shaftoe while James Lewis, Darren Smart and Steve Bunting have all returned.

Mark Love’s side are away to Hengrove Athletic while Jeff Roberts and Drew Youngsam’s Calne Town get their season underway as they welcome Welton Rovers to Bremhill View.