MALVERN Town open their BGB Southern League Division Midlands campaign tomorrow (Saturday) at Langland Stadium against promoted Romulus (3.00).

Town's selection has been hit by the loss of 21-year-old central defender Andy Cartwright, who broke his leg making a 50/50 challenge for the Reserves during their home league draw with Cresswell last Saturday and the 35-day suspension of fellow centre-half Carl Smith, picked up in Sunday football last season.

But manager Paul Molloy, whose side visit likely title challengers Evesham United on Tuesday (August 21) and Chasetown the following Saturday, is trying to remain upbeat and has set his side the target of establishing themselves in mid-table.

He said: "We can't do anymore than what we have done in pre-season. We have got such a tough start and I think I will know a lot more after that.

"We want to do better than we did last year - finish higher than 17th - and have a decent cup run to get a bit of money in."

Town Reserves travel to Birchills United tomorrow (Saturday) and on Tuesday (August 21) welcome Bridgnorth Town Reserves to Langland Stadium.