Billy Holland admits Enfield Town have been “thrown in the deep end” after we were handed a tough opening start to the new league campaign on our return to Step 3.

Town begin their campaign with trip to the wonderfully named Dripping Pan to play divisional big-hitters Lewes on Aug 8 (watch this space for details of possible coach travel)  followed by a pair of home fixtures against heavily resourced St Albans – now home to Ollie Knight – and Ramsgate and then a visit to promotion contenders Brentwood, who lost in last season’s playoff — both hugely ambitious clubs.

“Those first four games are very, very difficult,” said Billy who continues to develop his squad for the long campaign ahead.

“We certainly haven’t had it easy as far as August is concerned. They are all big boys, along with Chatham. Brentwood may have just got promoted but with the players they’ve signed, and their budget, they’ll be right up there.”

“Lewes may have had a bad season by their own high standards last season but I can’t see them replicating that. All four August opponents will be at the top end of the table. Ramsgate sacked their last manager because he didn’t spend enough! We’ve certainly been chucked in the deep end so it will be sink or swim. But we’ll take the first five games or so and see where we are.”

AW