SALISBURY'S first season back in the to the National League South starts on Saturday.

The Whites secured promotion with a dramatic play-off final victory against AFC Totton - after a penalty shootout.

The curtain raiser for Salisbury is an away trip to Hemel Hempstead, and comes after a pre-season which manager Brian Dutton described to the Journal as "distinctly average".

He said: "We've had a few injuries, a few good performances and a few bad performances".

They beat Laverstock and Ford 6-1 away on July 13th, before a game against Shaftesbury FC was cancelled due to injuries within their squad.

A 3-3 draw against Wimborne Town followed, as well as a 3-2 defeat against Woking, a 3-1 win over Winchester, and a 1-0 loss against Gosport - who Salisbury beat in the play-off semi-final last season.

But Dutton is happy with his squad, which includes new signings Luke Wilkinson and Harrison Bright (both defenders). Dutton did admit that the Whites are still a few bodies short of where they need to be, but is happy overall.

On his expectations for the coming season, he said the first port of call is staying in the league.

"We have to stay in the league, but its going to be tough", he said. "I don't want to we want to finish in a certain position because we don't know the league and it would be arrogant. There are some big names in there".

He is also hopeful of a good cup run, which he says the club is due.

Salisbury's first home game of the season is on Saturday, August 17 against Slough Town (3pm kick-off), and Dutton is calling on Salisbury fans to pack the Ray Mac.

"We couldn't have achieved our success last season without the bumper crowds every week", he said.

"That is definitely something we will need again this year".