PEWSEY Vale will play in the Wessex League for the first time next season and manager Adi Holcome believes his side won’t struggle to compete at a higher level.

Pewsey had a torrid time as they finished bottom of the Hellenic Leauge Division One West in their 2008/2009 campaign but came third third in the Wiltshire League Premier Division last season, winning the Corsham Print Senior Cup along the way.

Holcombe’s side applied for promotion in January and he thinks the club made the right decision in joining the First Division, which will see them travel as far as the Isle of Wight.

“It will be good to play different teams from down towards Southampton and it’s not as bad for travelling as you might think – sometimes it can take an hour to get through Devizes and across the other side of the county,” said the Pewsey boss.

“We haven’t had to change very much at the ground to be ready for the Wessex and the boys were all happy with the decision. They’re looking forward to the challenge and going to new places.

“I haven’t managed at that level before so it’s going to be testing times but our guys are comfortable with the ball at their feet and my feeling is that we could finish mid-table.

“They always say that first seasons are about survival but I’m optimistic and I think the players will get stronger.”

On Tuesday night, Pewsey were beaten 2-1 by Hellenic League Wootton Bassett Town in their fourth pre-season friendly.

Striker Matt Bissett grabbed his fifth goal of pre-season from the penalty spot but Craig Bowden and Alex Green were on target for Bassett.