SHIRVENHAM manager Gareth Davies says his first priority in the new Hellenic League Premier Division season is to mount a better start than they managed 12 months ago.

Davies led Shrivvy to promotion from Division One West in the 2017-18 campaign but they found life tough going at a higher level initially.

The Barrington Park side reached the midway point of their 36 Premier Division fixtures with just four wins and 15 points to their name as a relegation scrap looked on the cards.

However, Davies masterminded an incredible turnaround over the second half of the season as only two of the next 18 league games were lost as they climbed to an astonishing fifth place.

Although Shrivvy face a tricky opening schedule with away games at Reading City on Saturday and near neighbours Royal Wootton Bassett Town on Tuesday, Davies is determined to hit the ground running this time.

“I think we were bottom or second bottom at Christmas, so to finish fifth was a massive achievement for the club,” said Davies.

“We need to start better, that goes without saying. If we had started better last season, I have no doubt we would have finished higher than fifth.

“We threw it away in those first few months but that shows what an unbelievable job the boys did to end up where we did.

“We’ve got to go to Reading on Saturday, then there is a derby on Tuesday and then it’s the FA Cup next weekend. It’s a tough start and it’s manic right from the off.”

Shirvvy’s stunning form of the second half of last season – which saw 46 points collected from the final 18 games – has shown Davies what to expect from his side this season as he eyes up another lofty finish.

“Although what we did in the back-end of last season was amazing, what it has done is set the benchmark for us now,” said Davies.

“The boys have proven they are capable of playing at this level, so now we know what is expected of them.

“You always want to finish as high up as you can. It will be a tough season as there are some good clubs with decent squads but if we can improve on fifth place then that’d be very good.”