BASINGSTOKE Town begin their Nationwide South campaign with an away match at Redbridge, formerly Ford United, writes Graeme Hamlett.

It's not the exciting seaside trip fans were hoping for, given the number of coastal teams in the restructured non-League set-up.

In fact, the first three matches are against clubs that Town's management duo of Ernie Howe and Pete Peters and their supporters are familiar with.

It isn't until the trip to Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday, August 24 that Town meet one of the new clubs.

After 12 league games, Town will start their FA Cup campaign in October in the second pre-qualifying round.

Over the festive season, Town play nearby Maidenhead United - on Boxing Day at the Camrose and on New Year's Day at York Road.

On the fixtures, Town secretary Richard Trodd said: "I think it is not a bad start, because four out of the first six are against clubs we know.

"We go to Weston and Weymouth early and get two long journeys out of the way, but I'm disappointed about Maidenhead. We wanted Havant or Bognor to get a decent crowd.

"At the end of the day all fixtures will be tough in this league, so does it really matter when you play them?"

The Town players reported back for pre-season training last night and their first friendly match takes place against Farnborough on Tuesday, July 13 at the Camrose, kick-off 7.45pm.