SKIPPER Pete Stevens hopes that his Tenbury team will start the party early on Saturday when they return to league action following a week’s break.

Tenbury are second in Midlands Four West (North) and will be trying to close the gap on leaders Market Drayton when they face fourth-from-bottom Barton-under-Needwood.

Following the match, the team will be holding their Christmas party at the town’s Penlu Sports Club.

“As long as we don’t pick up any illnesses, we are looking to have a very strong side to take to Barton,” said Stevens.

“We are looking very lively and will have a couple of lads back from injury.

“Results went our way on Saturday with Cannock losing to Uttoxeter, whom we have beaten.

“We are looking a very fluent team at the moment and can match anyone.”

Tenbury’s scheduled North Midlands Vase trip to Ross was postponed last Saturday because the Herefordshire side were involved in a re-arranged league fixture.

Stevens therefore decided to watch rivals Clee Hill beat Bromyard 12-3.

“I’m looking forward to playing Bromyard, whom we have got in January,”

said Stevens.

“We have got some important games coming up against Barton and Bishop’s Castle and I’m not looking any further than those, but Bromyard is a derby, so I’m looking forward to that game.”

Stevens added that he decided not to arrange a friendly last Saturday as there was a bout of illness in the squad and he did not want to risk any injuries.

But he is hopeful of having his first-choice team out this Saturday, which will include the return of kicker Will Gough, who has missed recent games due to colle ge commitments.

“Fitness levels are good, with everyone doing their own fitness and we are a very strong team at present,”

said Stevens.

“We hope to come back from Barton with another win and go back to Tenbury to celebrate the Christmas party.”