DROITWICH Spa manager Tom Goss has thrown down the gauntlet to his players to improve on last season's 11th place in Midland Combination Division One.

Spa made great strides in their first season in the division, and also reached the final of the Worcestershire Junior Cup.

They begin their season this Saturday with a home clash against Castle Vale, and although Goss is aware how tough the task will be, he believes his side are well prepared to continue their progress of recent seasons.

He said: "We know exactly how good they are. I saw them play last year and they played some of the best football I saw all season.

"We have got to improve on what we have shown so far but I am sure we are capable of doing that.

"We always improve season after season and I want to continue that."

Goss saw his side suffer back-to-back 3-1 defeats in their final pre-season games.

Last Wednesday they were beaten by Malvern Town Reserves, despite Andy Pheasant's strike.

This was followed by a loss to Continental Star, with Matt Crawford getting Spa's only goal.

Droitwich Spa Reserves begin their Midland Combination Division Two campaign on Saturday August 23 at Shirley Town, while on Saturday August 16, Bromsgrove Rovers travel to Barwell for the start of the Midland Combination Reserve League.