CLEE Hill are primed and ready for the new Mercian League season - but may have to play a waiting game.

They continued their countdown with wins over Knighton Reserves (2-1) and Churchstoke (2-0) last week and were meeting Church Stretton on Tuesday.

But the start of the Division One programme has been put back to August 29 and boss Wayne Whitbread says he may struggle to arrange any more friendlies.

Adam Warren intercepted a back pass to give Clee the lead inside 10 seconds against Knighton and after the visitors had levelled, substitute Ollie Smith was pulled down and Liam Whitbread won it from the spot. On Saturday goals from 17-year-old Harry Thomas, his first for the club, and Steve Preece beat Churchstoke.

The Premier Division does get underway this weekend with Church Stretton kicking off at home to Allscott, before travelling to Wroxeter Rovers on Tuesday and Childs Ercall on Saturday week.

Player-manager Paul Smith said: “It’s a tough start.

"Allscott are very well-drilled and Childs Ercall were one of the best sides we played last season.

"But we have done things differently this pre-season.

"Last year we mainly had matches but this time we had regular training sessions and the lads have responded well.”