by Alex Hoad

Hythe Town boss Scott Porter said the team must make a strong start to life in Ryman League Division 1 South after the newly-released fixtures handed them a tough opening month.

Town start life at the new level with a trip to Godalming on Saturday, August 20. Faversham visit Reachfields three days later, with a home game against Bognor Regis Town on Saturday, August 27, and a Bank Holiday Monday trip to Ramsgate on August 29.

Bognor Regis finished as runners-up last season, missing out on promotion through the play-offs, while Faversham and Ramsgate were in the play-off hunt until the final two weeks of the season.

Porter (pictured) said: "It looks a tough start but it’s good to get them out of the way early. All the games are going to be tough when you move up a level.

"We have got a couple of derbies nice and early but I’m sure the boys couldn’t be any more up for it than we already are. Everyone is buzzing."

He added: "The first four games are important because we need to get off to a good start."

What do you think about Hythe's prospects for the start of the season? Have your say below.