Whittlesey wonders are excited by journey into the unknown

Non-league - The big kick off

Andy Lodge and his Whittlesey wonders are ready for their journey into the unknown. Whittleseyhavethehonourof kicking off the United Counties League One season with a Division One match at Long Buckby tomorrow (Friday).

It’s Whittlesey’sfirstseason at this level and the opening fixture is part of the popular ‘ground-hopper’ weekend, a series of matches attended by non-league football fans from all over the country.

Lodge’s lads earned their place in the higher level after finishing second in last season’s Peterborough Premier Division.

“We have lost 10 games out of over 100 in the last three league seasons so we deserve our shot at the UCL,” Lodge stated. “And I’m proud to say that the team will be mostly Whittleseyladswhohavebeen with us in that time.

“I haven’t lost a single playerandtheyalldeserveashotat ahigherlevel. I mayhavetoadjust things as the season goes on, but we are prepared and ready for the challenge.

“Long Buckby were sixth last season so it’s a tough start for us, but we have nothing to lose. We are the newboys who will play without pressure.

“As it’s a ground-hopper game we should play in front of adecent-sized crowdwhich we will enjoy.”

Whittlesey have made five additions to last season’s squad with former Moulton Harrox pair Billy King and IanBradburyandex-Poshpair Gareth Jelleyman and Daniel French all signing on. Winger TonFlattershasmovedacross from Netherton United.

King has dual-signed with Harrox so his availability might be limited.

Whittlesey won their final friendly 2-1 at ICA Sports last weekend with Jack Bates and Flatters on target.

Fe l l ow UC L D i v i s i o n One side Bourne are also in ‘ground-hopper’ action this weekendastheytravelto Bugbrooke St Michael on Sunday (July 31).

MarchopentheirThurlow Nunn Division One season at hometonewcomersWisbech St Mary on Tuesday (August 2).

Billy King has signed dual-registration forms for Whittlesey Athletic and Moulton Harrox.