Oxford City Stars coach Darryl Morvan is confident his side can get off to a winning start when they host Peterborough Islanders in the League Cup at Oxpens Road tomorrow (6pm).

Stars could ice new signings Will Skaife, Kent Johnson, Lee Stobie and Sam Bourgein.

"Peterborough have made a couple of experienced signings during the summer," said Morvan, whose team kick off their English National League South Conference campaign next weekend.

"And they are sure to give us a strong competition, especially in the first game for the squad.

"This promises to be an interesting season. Without a doubt we will be competing in the tougher of the two conferences, and I would say there are not going to be any games that might be deemed easy, either in the league or the cup.

"On any day there will be several teams in the league capable of getting a result, so it will be a real test of our motivation and mental toughness."

Morvan added: "The team has been coming together well in training, and the new signings to the squad are settling in well.

"Our aim this year is to consolidate on the good work carried out by the team last year.

"If the squad continue this year where they left off last, playing with heart and working hard, then I am quietly confident that we can maintain the progress of last season."

Forward Johnson, who signed in the summer from Gosport, where he was top-scorer, is relishing the challenge ahead.

"I feel Oxford Stars have more to offer with a better training structure. I know most of the players as I have played against them, but am just getting to know the drills."

Stobie, a forward, who played at Oxford as a junior, added: "It's really good to be back. The squad has changed a lot, but it should be a really good season ahead.

"I am getting on well with the squad, but it's going to take a bit longer to really gel as most of the team have been playing together for a whole season."

Defenceman Will Skaife who has joined from Bracknell, said: "It's nice to join my brother James at Oxford.

"I know most of the squad, as I have played against them for a few years.

"At first the training was hard work, but now it's getting a bit easier as I am getting to know how people play."

Forward Grant Bailey, who has also returned to Oxford after a spell at Swindon, said: "I feel Oxford have more to offer me then Swindon this season with a better system."