TROWBRIDGE Town striker Dave Percival admits pre-season has been a tough learning curve, but he is confident the team will be ready in time for the start of the new season.

The Hellenic League new boys have yet to record a victory from their first four friendlies but Percival insists there is no panic yet.

After winning the Wiltshire League title at a canter last season, any thoughts of brushing everyone aside this season have been dispelled in a tough pre-season schedule and Percival believes it has been the wake-up call needed.

He said: "We have all found it very tough. We have played against some very good opposition and because of this the results haven't been great.

"We have had to work very hard to close teams down and I think it has been a valuable lesson for us all.

"Last season was quite easy but our last few games have shown us that we can't take any opponents lightly any more.

"As the games go on we are getting fitter and fitter and although we are not there yet I am sure we will be ready for the start of the campaign."

Last season's top scorer, with 28 goals, got off the mark in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Poole Town and followed that up with another goal in their 3-2 defeat at Larkhall Athletic on Tuesday night, the other goal was scored by Jack Heard.

Percival, 20, is confident in his ability to score goals at a higher level but fears it could be asking too much to repeat last season's total.

He said: "Obviously I would like to score another 28 goals but we will be playing against much tougher defenders and it will be hard.

"I believe I will still score my fair share but whether I can match last season's total, we will have to wait and see. We don't know a lot about who we will be playing this season but even if we don't trouble the teams at the top we will definitely hold our own."

Manager Neil Kirkpatrick was happy with his side's performance in Tuesday's defeat at Larkhall.

He said: "For 30 minutes we played some of the best football I have seen us play in my time in charge here.

"Larkhall are a good side and they picked it up a bit but it was definitely a worthwhile exercise.

"We are trying to change our shape a bit and become a bit more flexible but it has been difficult to do."

Kirkpatrick is attempting to bring an experienced centre half to the club after a spate of injuries has left them short of defensive cover.

He has been forced to play youngsters Matty Brown and Craig Humble in the centre and although they have done well he feels he needs another player.

He said: "I have spoken to Lee Burns about coming here and tried to persuade him we could do well this season. He would have that experience that would be vital."

Better news for Kirkpatrick is that last season's captain Gordon Saunderson has hinted he may play more of a part this season than first thought.

At the end of last season he said he would stop playing for the first team but Kirkpatrick now believes he will still be able to select him from time to time.

Kirkpatrick is waiting for 17-year-old midfielder Adam Shackell to decide on whether he wants to stay at Woodmarsh.

Shackell impressed towards the end of last season with his tough tackling performances but has been training with Bath City under 18s.

Trowbridge travel to Witney United tomorrow before playing Holt on Thursday.