LUDLOW Town boss Mike Seaborne says his side must go for the title this season after coming close last term.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s curtain raiser at newly promoted Whitchurch Alport Reserves, Seaborne said his troops proved last year they have what it takes to finish top of the pile.

“We finished third last year but could easily have won it,” he said.

“We took four points off the winners (Haughmond) and finished as top scorers.

“So there’s no point in me saying we will finish third again.”

Town go into Saturday’s opener with a fully fit side despite a couple of niggles picked up in their final pre-season game last week.

“We beat Pilcs FC from Pontypool 5-3,” said the boss. “Jamie Hammond’s hat-trick helped us on the way.

“It was a good test and, to be honest, I though the scoreline flattered us a bit. The players with niggles have assured me they will be okay for Saturday.”

Seaborne said the squad has largely stayed the same over the summer and he will begin with around 17 or 18 players.

“We are in good shape and better equipped this time. We’ve had a decent pre-season.”

He said the addition of midfielder Jake Pryce will boost the squad along with the news Andy Walker will be able to play more regularly for the side having finished university.

Town began last season impressively with an opening day 14-1 hammering of Dawley Villa.

They also weighed in with three 8-0 thrashings but were let down on the road with five defeats in their 11 away matches.

They will also be hoping the weather is kinder to them this winter after freezing conditions saw them without a fixture for two-and-a-half months between November and the beginning of February.