TENBURY United launch their countdown to the new Herefordshire League Premier Division campaign when they travel to Hereford Lads Club for a friendly tonight (Thursday).

It is the first of four pre-season games for United, who are hoping to play Orleton Colts Reserves next week and also have fixtures arranged with Tenbury Athletic (August 4) and at Highley (August 7).

However they still have some concerns over the pitch at the council-owned Palmer’s Meadow, and have had to change some of their pre-season plans.

Due to the issues last season with waterlogging, the council “air-raided” the pitch at the end of last season. Basically that involves a tiny chisel plough being dragged under the surface to help with drainage. At present it has left inch-wide lines all across the pitch, which are proving dangerous as the ground is currently so hard.

United co-boss Nick Stocker said: “Because of the pitch factor, and the fact we are waiting on some work to be carried out on the changing rooms, we have only arranged the one home friendly with Tenbury Athletic.”

Meanwhile Mark Boucker scored twice as Tenbury Town kicked off their pre-season preparations with a 2-2 draw against Orleton Colts.

Town, who have relocated to Brimfield and Little Hereford SC, will compete in an expanded Division One of the Herefordshire League this coming season after winning the Division Two title last term.