Chris Bevan looks forward to the new non-League season

LEYTON Pennant have been preparing for the arrival of Bognor Regis Town, the opponents in their first fixture of the Ryman League Division One campaign.
The first team squad has stayed virtually unchanged during the close season with only a few comings and goings at Wadham Lodge.
Pennant manager Kevin Moran is pleased with the stability at the club and has been satisfied with the progress made in pre-season training.
“Nearly all the squad who ended the season so well have stayed with the club,” he said. “Morale is excellent and the group of players here all genuinely want to play for the club.
“We’ve got a tough start to the season, but I still feel that the team is ready to carry on where we left off last season.
“If we get off to a reasonable start then I think we can be optimistic about our chances for the year.”
The only regular first team player to have left Pennant is goalkeeper Ian Brooks who has departed to Grays Athletic.
In his place is Clark Wells from Dulwich Hamlet, and the other new face is defender John Kent from Purfleet.
Of last season’s squad only Tony Dixon and Cyril Baffour are ruled out at the beginning of the season.
Dixon is back in light training after a broken leg and Baffour is only just returning to match action after a groin injury.
Moran has also brought versatile midfielder Bradley Quinn to the club from Bishop’s Stortford permanently, following a brief loan spell last year.
Pennant continued their build-up to the season last week with a 2-1 victory over Ford United.
A solid performance saw Pennant fall behind in the first half but come back well to win.
Billy Read equalised from the spot and with Che Stadhart coming more and more into the game it seemed only a matter of time before Pennant took the lead.
It was Stadhart who provided the winner in the 77th minute when he forced the ball home after a cross from Read on the right-hand side.
LEYTON Pennant are seeking another goalkeeper who must be of a quality non-League standard. Call Kevin Moran on 01727 850593 for further details.