ROB Ivermee is gunning for the 30-goal mark this season as he attempts to fire a new look Melksham Town up the Screwfix League Premier Division table.

The former Bemerton Heath Harlequins striker has started his career at Melksham in blistering fashion, scoring four goals in three pre-season friendlies, and is confident he can carry his form into the new season.

Ivermee, 18, is unavailable for tomorrow's opener at Exmouth but will lead the line for Melksham in Tuesday's local derby at Corsham Town.

He said: "It will be a step up to anything I have played before, but I am confident because scoring goals is the same in any league.

"I set myself a target of 30 goals last season for Bemerton's youth and reserve side but only got 25 so this season I will be aiming for 30 again.

"I could not have asked for a better start but I have always been confident in my ability and I just can't wait for the season to start."

Melksham finished last season in 14th place and after the loss of a number of senior players, including Dean Ranger, Steven Casey and John Freegard, they are being tipped to struggle again.

"A lot of people have had a lot to say about how we will do this season, but we will be fine and surprise our doubters," said Ivermee.

"We have some very good players, a young team and a good team spirit, so things are looking very good.

"There have been a lot of positives in pre-season and although we have lost our games there are some good things to take out of them."

Ivermee joined the club three weeks ago after watching his younger brother, Dave, play for Melksham's youth team at the Conigre.

He said: "I had been training at Bemerton for a week when Melksham manager Nigel Tripp approached me at the Conigre and said they were short of players and did I want to play.

"I was interested and it has all gone from there really."

As well as Ivermee, Tripp has brought Cameroon midfielder Paulin Mbakop to the club, along with veteran midfielder Stewart Card and former Corsham midfielder Jamie Harrison.

He has also signed Forest Green Rovers youngsters Ryan Trowbridge and Kris Beasley on a short-term basis and has put in a seven day approach for Devizes striker Simon Price.

Ahead of tomorrow's match at Exmouth, Tripp admits his side's first priority is to stay in the division but he believes he has the players who are capable of more.

He said: "The players that have come have looked very good and I am feeling positive about the new season.

"Our priority has to be to survive but we also have to be looking to improve on last season.

"The players have shown a great attitude in pre-season and they are a great bunch of lads to work with. They are all keen to learn.

"At the end of the day we know we are not one of the top sides in the division so we have to get a run going and be consistent.

"No team can really afford to lose players like Casey and Ranger but we have to get on with it.

"Players come and go but the club will still be here.

"With this match and the one at Corsham on Tuesday, where we will be the underdogs, it will be a good gauge of how bad or how good we are."