HOLSWORTHY will start their pre-season schedule tonight (Friday, July 10) with a trip to Southern League Division One South outfit Bideford (7.30pm) ahead of the start of their South West Peninsula League Premier West campaign.

The Magpies enjoyed a fine first year under Kevin Squire who has agreed to stay on, as they finished seventh in the league and reached their first-ever Devon St Luke’s Bowl final where they were beaten 3-1 by Bovey Tracey.

While there are no major changes to the playing squad at present, Squire has put together a seven-match programme which gets underway at the home of the Robins who they beat in last year’s St Luke’s Bowl semi-final.

The following Tuesday sees Appledore come to Upcott Field which will also host another North Devon outfit in Fremington two nights later.

Tuesday, July 21 sees Holsworthy visit old rivals Torrington before a Friday night trip to the top of the county to tackle SWPL Premier East side Ilfracombe Town that same week.

A local derby with St Piran League Premier Division East outfit Kilkhampton at home is the task on Wednesday, July 29, before their final outing before their opening day clash with visiting St Austell on August 8, is a trip to Southern League Division One Willand Rovers on Saturday, August 1.

On his pre-season programme, Squire said: “It’s a good mix of local teams that will provide good fitness and good tests in preparation for the season, while starting at Bideford and ending at Willand will also be good for the players to experience Southern League grounds.

“Training is very important for the team, but games is where you get yourself match sharp, so I like to have lots of games to get the players ready.”

Check the club’s social media for kick-off times closer to each fixture.