TADCASTER ALBION begin their first ever season in the Northern Counties East League premier division with an opening trip to Parkgate tomorrow.

Manager Paul Marshall has kept much of the squad which won the division one title last year, while adding former York City youth players Ryan Qualter and Nick Thompson.

Midfielder Rob Ellis returns following a season at Scarborough Athletic, while Matthew Howgate also comes back to Ings Lane from Brighouse Town.

The striker was the club’s top scorer during the 2003/4 season – a highlight of his first stay being the nine-minute hat-trick he netted against Staveley in 2005.

Marshall reckons Parkgate will be a tough test for his players, but believes his team will not merely survive among the premier elite, but will prosper.

“Everyone is buzzing at the moment. We’ve got quite a few new players and we have had a really good pre-season. I think we are going to push on. Our first thoughts are to finish in the top eight but if we can get a good start we can build on it.

“I would like to finish, if we can, in the top six. You look at Pickering Town and Selby, who have been in it for years, and they will say the same things.

“I am looking forward to it.”

With Marshall away this weekend, Rob Hunter takes charge on the sideline and he has a selection headache to overcome against Parkgate. Thompson, Terry Taylor and Andy Sunley are suspended while Tosh Reid, Arran Reid and Rob Ellis are unavailable.

Marshall said: “It’s a bit irritating and they are good quality players, but we knew it was going to happen and we have made some signings including Stuart Rice and Carl Stewart from York City.”