NEWQUAY boss Shaun Middleton admits ‘Mount Wise has to become a fortress’ as the Peppermints prepare for their first-ever Western League Premier Division campaign which gets underway on Saturday with a trip to Devon to tackle Buckland Athletic (3pm).
The Cornish outfit edged out Liskeard Athletic for the South West Peninsula League Premier West crown by just two points and now embark on their maiden Step Five journey with plenty of excitement.
Middleton, already a legend at the club from his playing days, added to that with the title win, but knows of the challenge ahead.
He said: “Last season was a fantastic one for the football club and we want to be successful this season also.
“It will be a big test for me and the players in the Western League, although many of them have played at this level before, so it will be interesting to see how we go.”
Newquay stated their ambition last summer by recruiting players of a quality suited to far higher level than SWPL Premier West.
In came attackers Louis Price and Callam McOnie from Southern League outfit Mousehole, while Jack Bray-Evans was also prized back having turned out for the likes of Falmouth Town and Plymouth Parkway.
Middleton knows strength in-depth is key and has been able to keep last year’s squad together.
He continued: “We haven’t lost any players and have signed two really exciting players from Truro City Reserves in Harry Richards and Reece Simmonds.”
While they take on Cornish outfits St Blazey, St Austell, relegated Helston Athletic, Saltash United and Torpoint Athletic, they will clock up hundreds of the miles over the next few months with several trips up the M5 to Bristol and across to Somerset to places like Shepton Mallet.
However, first up are last year’s play-off semi-finalists Buckland Athletic who appointed former Saltash United and Helston boss Matt Cusack over the summer to try and help them go one better.
Middleton added: “Our first league doesn’t come any harder in all honesty than Buckland away, but it’s an incredibly exciting game and one we can’t wait for.”
As for the season itself, the Newquay boss isn’t setting any specific goals.
He continued: “I’m expecting a very challenging league with all games to be very competitive and physical, and the target for us are simple, to try and win games as possible.
“We know Mount Wise has to become a fortress and we’ll try and get what we can on the road.
‘But to all of our supporters, please get behind the lads at home as we’ll need all the support we can get.”
Newquay have taken on the likes of Wadebridge Town, Tavistock and Plymouth Argyle Under 18s in pre-season before seeing off Lakeside Athletic 4-0 at home on Saturday, and Middleton feels they are ready.
He concluded: “Pre-season has been very good with lots of good energy and tough sessions.
“We’ve had a good variety of friendlies and the boys will be ready to go come 3pm on Saturday.”
After Buckland, Newquay have a Cornish derby at home to Torpoint on Wednesday night (7.30pm) before they take on Shepton Mallet in their inaugural FA Cup outing on Saturday, August 2 (3pm).
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