Abingdon United manager Andy Slater says he wants more consistency when they start their Zamaretto Southern League Division 1 South & West programme at home to Frome Town on Saturday.

Last season, Slater’s side took points off the top-seven sides, only to slip up against the lower-placed outfits.

Over the summer, Abingdon have brought in some new faces, including former Kidlington goalkeeper Jon Beames, plus the ex-Didcot Town trio of Sam Elkins, Elliott Osbourne-Ricketts and Josh Mulvany.

Nick Thorne, from Old Woodstock Town, and Callum McMahon (Kidlington) have also joined their ranks, while they have lost only keeper Sam Worrall, who has signed for rivals North Leigh.

“We can’t wait for the season to start,” said Slater, whose side have beaten Oxford City, Burnham and Woodford United, but lost to Abingdon Town in their friendlies “I’m pretty pleased with pre-season, so it’s not looking bad. We are going to have a young side.

“With the league re-organisation, there are a lot of new teams in the division, so none of them can be taken for granted. We have lost Truro City, so AFC Totton will be the benchmark.

“If we can put together a good run then we can get in the play-offs. I think consistency will be the key.

“We have got a good mindset here – to work hard and then reap the rewards.”

IN: Jon Beames (Hungerford), Sam Elkins, Elliott Osbourne-Ricketts, Josh Mulvany (all Didcot), Nick Thorne (Old Woodstock Town), Callum McMahon (Kidlington).

OUT: Sam Worrall (North Leigh).