Skennie ready for big kick off (From Free Press Series)

Skennie ready for big kick off

SKENFRITH United kick off their pre-season campaign tomorrow night at home to Hereford Premier League side Western.

And manager Paul Brown is hoping his men can stay as injury free as possible with the Division Two season just three weeks away.

Brown has big plans after ending last season on a high with a run of 13 games without conceding a goal.

"I'm looking for us to remain as injury free as possible and at the same time pick up some moral boosting results before the season kicks off," said Brown.

United haven't be helped though by the loss of defender Jerry Pound and winger Mark Diamond who have left the club to join rivals Burghill.

"We're obviously disappointed by their departure, but we've still got a strong squad," said Brown.

He is hoping to sign two new players over the next few weeks including Australian U21 international Mark Cook who trained at the same football academy as Liverpool's Harry Kewell.

"It looks as if he's got a trial with Cwmbran Town, but that won't be for a short while yet so we're hoping to get him for our first few games of the season," explained Brown.

The United chief is also hoping to sign a highly experienced central defender from the near-by Gwent Central League. Although not revealing any names Brown described the player as a "very skilled centre half".

Brown is also on the lookout for a new striker at the club. Those interested should go along to training at the Skenfrith Football Ground in Skenfrith on a Tuesday evening at 7pm.

United's game against Western kicks off at 6.30pm. On Saturday the Herefordshire League faces Division One Allpay in another freindly game, kick off 2.30pm at United's home ground.