BRADFORD Town boss Mark Hodkinson believes tomorrow's Wiltshire Premier League opener at Stratton is vital for their promotion hopes.

Despite being the first game of the season, Hodkinson has targeted Stratton as one of their main challengers and believes the result could have a big bearing on the season.

The Swindon side finished last season in second place, with Bradford finishing in fourth spot.

Hodkinson said: "With last year's winners, Trowbridge, and the third placed team, Biddestone, promoted, you would expect us and Stratton to be up there.

"It is only the points that are important though, it will be the confidence we will get if we manage to get a result there.

"There will be other teams who can challenge us but I believe Stratton will be one of the teams to beat."

Bradford have not lost any players and with the exception of a couple of youngsters who made the step up to the first team, Hodkinson is expecting to use mostly the same squad as last season.

Star striker Tom Pang and his centre forward partner Robbie Simmonds are both unavailable for tomorrow's match and Hodkinson is on the look out for another striker.

He said: "Tom and Robbie need some back up and hopefully I will be able to find a striker soon.

"It is a blow neither will be available tomorrow.

"Our priority this season is to finish in the top two and win promotion because there is no point on working on the ground if we don't back it up on the pitch."

Bradford entertain Warminster on Tuesday.