PETERSFIELD Town manager Jim Macey is hoping his side’s solid pre-season preparations will prepare them for the tough challenges they face ahead.

The Rams remained unbeaten in their six pre-season friendlies but while a youthful looking squad has impressed the new manager so far, Macey is under no illusions about the difficulties which could lie ahead in the Wessex Premier Division this season.

Petersfield beat Overton United, Lancing and Midhurst, and drew with Epsom and Ewell, Arundel and Folland Sports during pre-season.

The youngsters who have stepped up from last season’s double winning reserve team squad, as well as others brought in during the close season, have impressed Macey so far – who is also pleased that the experienced players he has signed have blended in well at Love Lane.

The Rams have shown plenty of potential during the pre-season period, with some impressive performances, but there is also plenty more room for improvement, and Macey believes his players may face a steep learning curve at times in the months ahead.

He said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Baffins for tonight’s game which we know will be a very tough match.

“We have a very young side with a lot of last season’s reserve team players stepping up but we have also added some experienced lads to help the situation.

“Everybody at the club is working hard and pulling together to try and get some stability back at Petersfield after what happened last season.

“We know it could be a difficult season playing against some very strong sides but we are looking forward to the challenge and my players are taking on board what we hope to achieve.”

There are likely to be plenty of Petersfield debuts handed out to players in tonight’s game as only a handful of last season’s first team squad remain with the club.

Petersfield Town versus Baffins Milton Rovers in the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division will kick-off at Love Lane at 7.45pm tonight (Tuesday).