MALVERN Town have launched an urgent appeal for financial help to get their floodlights to the required standard.

The Langland Stadium-based side need to make improvements in order to avoid a possible expulsion from the British Gas Business Division One Midlands in time for the 2009/10 campaign.

They are also looking for sponsors to cover the cost of increased travelling in the forthcoming campaign, which will see them face trips to Marlow (based in Buckinghamshire), Soham Town Rangers (Cambridgeshire) and Bury Town (Suffolk).

As reported in the Gazette two weeks ago, the club faces shelling out for long away-day trips of up to 350 miles during the next league campaign.

Chairman Paul Pallett has seen the club rise from being in the West Midlands League just four years ago on a limited budget and insists they want to establish themselves at their current level.

He said: "We have had confirmation that the league will accept us for this year but it won't for next season if we haven't got the floodlights upgraded.

"We are going to struggle on, we haven't come this far to let it go.

"We are determined that we will succeed, we just need some help."

Anyone able to help with the club's coffers is urged to call Mr Pallett on 01905 773236 or 07931 574725.

Meanwhile, Joe Rawle's side have also announced their pre-season programme of friendlies as they look to start afresh after last year's disappointing term.

Blue Square North side Tamworth will visit on Saturday, July 12 (3pm) before the youth team face a local derby match with arch rivals Worcester City on Wednesday, July 16.

Town will then play host to Evesham United, newly promoted to the British Gas Business Premier Division, on Saturday, July 19 (3pm).

Malvern then play host to Gloucester City seven days later (3pm).

Malvern reserves also make a pre-season return to action when they entertain Droitwich Spa on Wednesday, July 30 (7.30pm).

The club's top two sides can then look forward to a double header against neighbours Ledbury Town on Saturday, August 2.

The first team will kick-off at 1.30pm, followed by the reserves at 3.30pm.