A new season brings with it new hopes and new teams - with a full-set of fixtures to look forward to in the Senior Division curtain raiser, writes Paul Harris.

Champions Colden Common have a new-look squad and are under new management, with Baffins Milton Rovers coach, Steve King now at the helm after many of the Stallions title-winning squad followed Connor Doswell and Nathan Morgan to Wessex League side, Alresford Town over the summer. They face a tough test at Paulsgrove, who have gone well in pre-season.

The only other of last season's top-four teams still around are Locks Heath, who also face a tricky test at Liphook United, who will be looking to build on their impressive form from the second half of last term.

FIXTURES - COMING-UP

Promoted from Division One - and hoping to make a big impact in the higher league - are Infinity. They host Stockbridge who faded towards the end of last season but are always well fancied from the outset, and will once again be going in search of that elusive top-five berth.

Division One runners-up, Hook, will no doubt be looking forward to starting life in the County top-tier, with a visit to Harvest, who finished a good fifth last time out and could be amongst the favourites this season.

Fleet Spurs are welcome new entries following their relegation from the Wessex Division One - Dave Matthews' side start life in the uhlsport Hampshire Premier League at Kennels Lane, with Moneyfields Reserves their opponents.

Bishops Waltham Dynamos are also back at this level after being promoted as champions of the Southampton League Premier Division - they face a trip to Liss Athletic (pictured, in blue), who similarly to neighbours Liphook United, will be aiming to continue their strong end-of-season form.

Denmead have had a summer of change, but are back with a new squad and host Hayling United, who will hope to improve this time around, on the 3G at Petersfield School. Sway, who faded badly towards the end of last season, are at home to Whitehill &  Bordon, who finished mid-table in their first season at Step 7.

We also have some appetising fixtures the following midweek, the highlights probably being Paulsgrove v Harvest on Tuesday, and Colden Common versus Locks Heath on Wednesday (now at Romsey Town FC, 7.45pm).

There is also a local derby on Wednesday as Liss Athletic entertain Whitehill & Bordon. Fleet Spurs host Hook on Tuesday, and it's Liphook United v Denmead, and Infinity v Hayling United on Wednesday.

Division One commences a week Saturday, on August 12.

Photo: Stuart Tree