SWINDON Supermarine manager Dave Webb says that his side have been given a favourable start to the new season in Southern League Division One South and West.

The Webb’s Wood Stadium chief says all that despite being away on the opening day of the campaign for the first time in three years.

Following their trip to Didcot Town on Saturday, August 9, Supermarine are at home in three of the four following matches.

After the trip to Oxfordshire, the South Marston men entertain Yate Town on Tuesday, August 12 and then Shortwood United the following Saturday.

Supermarine then travel to AFC Totton before welcoming Taunton Town to the Webb’s Wood.

Supermarine are home to newcomers Wantage Town on Boxing Day before making the trip to Stratford Town on New Year’s Day, who they entertain on Easter Monday.

The campaign ends with a visit from Cinderford Town on April 25.

And as Webb prepares his side to face Chippenham Town tomorrow afternoon in a testimonial for former midfielder Robbie Dean, he knows that it will be important to get off to a good start this term if they are to try and go better than being play-off semi-finalists again.

“Of course, there are no easy games, but I think it is a pretty decent start for us,” Webb said. “It is strange that we have got Didcot away first as I went to see them play last week against Highworth.

“They have got some really good attacking options this season and with the squad they look like they are putting together they have to be looking at the play-offs.”

With Didcot strengthening their attack force, Webb says that he is still to fill the void left by star duo Ash Edenborough, who has joined league rivals Evesham United, and Josh Parsons, who has returned to Hungerford Town.

Meanwhile, the Hellenic League have also released their opening fixtures for the upcoming season.

Sam Collier’s Shrivenham make the trip to Oxford City Nomads on August 9, while John Fisher takes his Highworth Town side to Reading Town and new Wootton Bassett Town manager Paul Braithwaite and his team travel to Binfield.

In Division One, Gareth Davies’ Fairford Town will entertain Shortwood United reserves at Cinder Lane, Justin Miller’s Purton host North Leigh and New College visit Letcombe.