AMESBURY Town will kick off their new Hamp-shire Premier Division season with four away games on the trot due to the re-laying of their Recreation Ground pitch, writes Ryan Lovejoy.

They go to Petersfield Town on Saturday, August 16, before trips to East Cowes Victoria, Aldermas-ton, and Poole Town.

Town's pre-season schedule starts on Monday evening with a game at Blackfield & Langley (7.30pm) while fixtures against Gillingham and Calne Town are to be confirmed.

Amesbury have added the Nicholls brothers, Phil and Keith, to their squad.

The pair were part of the club's championship-winning season three years ago, before they left to play for Salisbury and Andover.

Unfortunately, serving soldiers Brett Wilkes and Andrew Parnaby will miss the first two months of the season because they are on duty in Canada.

Meanwhile, a reformed Amesbury reserve side are to compete in the Hampshire Combination after they withdrew last season.

Manager Nick Horner told Journal Sport: "I watched our young reserve side in their first pre-season friendly last week and they played well, only losing 1-0 at Ludgershall.

"It was difficult last season without the reserves but I think we are just about in order now, and we want to do something this season.

"With Winchester out of the division, we are no longer playing for second place."