Oxenhope manager Paul Brearey believes his side can challenge for the West Yorkshire League Premier Division title again this season.

The Worth Valley team were in with a shout of winning the crown going into the final game of the last campaign before finishing in a highest-ever third position.

And Brearey feels his squad is good enough to be up there again ahead of Saturday’s opening-day trip to Wetherby (2.30pm).

He said: “We punched above our weight last season and I don’t see any reason why we can’t build on it.

“Teams will be more aware of us but you have to marry that with the fact that we will know more about them.

“I’m quietly confident we can do well again.”

Brearey, who returned to the helm last year after winning a succession of trophies in his first stint, wants his side to do better against the top teams.

He said: “Bardsey, Beeston St Anthony’s and Leeds City were our main title rivals but we only took two out of 18 points against them. If we’d have taken five we could have won the league – it was that close.”

Oxenhope’s centenary pitch has been relaid after problems last season and Brearey is looking forward to playing back in the village on a regular basis.

“We had to a play some of our games at Marley again last year but we hope our centenary pitch will be ready in September and we want to make it a fortress.”

Oxenhope’s attack has been strengthened by Dave Armstrong, who played for Brearey at Bronte Wanderers, while Kevin Gill and Kyle Hancock are set to boost the midfield.

Experienced centre half Mark Bentham is having a season off to let his ankle injury recover but Brearey – who has recruited Sam Duffin as his assistant – is hoping to sign defender Paul Gelder from Fields.

Oxenhope, who travel to Fields on Wednesday, warmed up for the big kick-off with a 5-0 thrashing of Salts, Michael Garnett scoring twice.