Witham Town manager Garry Kimble is preparing himself for a few headaches before the start of the Ryman League Division One North season.

Kimble has been impressed with his players’ performances in the their summer outings so far and is expecting another strong display when former Witham player Nicky Smith brings his Saffron Walden Town to Spa Road on Saturday.

That game will be followed by another home fixture against Ryman League Premier Division side Thurrock on Tuesday, but Witham have shown no fear about facing high-placed opponents so far.

There have already been wins against Canvey Island, Leiston and Colchester United and Town felt unfortunate to be edged out in a narrow defeat by Braintree Town as they prepare to start their season against Thamesmead Town on August 18.

And Kimble and his assistant managers Johnny Rae and Brad King have all been particularly pleased with the players’ sharpness after some intensive summer work under fitness coaches Roy Fontaine and Curtis Whyte.

He said: “I have been really impressed with our fitness levels.

“That has really stood out for me and I felt we have more than competed with sides in the Ryman League Premier Division and Conference Premier.

“To be fair, I don’t think you would have known the difference between the sides playing in those leagues and us.

“The boys have done really well with their fitness and I’m really pleased with them.

“I think I’m going to have a headache when it comes to selecting my team for the first game of the season.

“I think I’ll have 22 players good enough to be in my starting 11.

“There will be some unhappy players, but I’m prepared for that and I’m happy with the squad that I’ve got together.”

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