KIERAN Baggs says the arrival of Evesham United as Melksham Town's first visitors to the inFiled Arena tomorrow (3pm) underlines the scale of the club's task as they turn from Western League big fish to Southern League minnows.

Baggs' side, promoted to Division One South at the end of last season, begin their league campaign against last season's play-off semi-finalists at home, surroundings the manager hopes can prove pivotal to their hopes of making an impact this season.

Melksham began their competitive season with a 4-0 dispatching of Badshot Lea in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup last weekend, but Baggs is under no illusions over the scale of his side's task as they get their league campaign underway.

"That's one (match) that you probably want to see midway through the season because they (Evesham) are going to be up there this season, as they were last year when they lost in the semi-finals of the play-offs,'' Baggs told the Wiltshire Times.

"I think they've strengthened since then and we're newly promoted.

"We're going to have no expectations to take any points off them, but hopefully we put in a good performance.

"We're going to be massive underdogs but that's going to happen a lot this season so we're going to have to be used to that, compared to the Western League from being one of the favourites the majority of the time.

"It's something we have to adapt to and make sure we don't roll over for anyone.''

Large crowds at the inFiled Arena were a feature of last season as Melksham challenged for the Toolstation Western League Premier Division crown and progressed in the FA Vase and Baggs hopes that support can carry his side forward again this term.

"We've prepared as well as possible for it and it's going to be a physical test,'' he added.

"But it's a home game and I'm sure the inFiled Arena is going to be packed out with supporters.

"It's one I look forward to seeing where we are and having an assessment with how well pre-season has gone in comparison with the level we're stepping up to.

"At home, I think it can be a big positive for us to have such big crowds. People won't be used to playing in front of those crowds even at Southern One level.

"It's something I'll be looking to capitalise on and make sure the inFiled Arena is a bit of a fortress for us.

"But Evesham is not going to be an easy one because they will be among the title favourites.''