by Andrew Gidley

Dave Fairclough says he already knows life in the Vandanel Kent County League Premier Division won’t be easy despite starting the new season with a 4-3 win over former champions Lewisham Borough in south east London on Saturday.

The Canterbury City boss (pictured) said: "What is clear to me already is that we have stepped up a level this year. The pace and tempo of the game was much quicker than last season and I don’t expect any easy matches this season.

"We rose to the challenge and despite not playing to our full potential, earned a great result.

"The team spirit was superb and the lads battled well."

City face last season’s runners-up Fleet Leisure in their first home game at Hersden on Saturday (kick-off 2.45pm) and Fairclough added: "I think this will be an even bigger test against a team who will be determined to go one better this time around and are favourites to lift the title.

"We are on a steep learning curve, and I hope the support who turned out in large numbers at Bridge, will follow us again."