BASHLEY boss Steve Riley is hoping for another play-off push, with the Southern League Premier Division season set to start tomorrow.

The New Forest team travel to face Clevedon Town in their opening fixture, aiming to repeat last season's impressive top-five finish.

It has been a transitional summer for the Recreation Ground outfit, with key triumvirate Craig Davis, Ryan Moss and Danny Smith all quitting the club during the summer.

Riley has looked to plug the gaps left by the trio, bringing in Salisbury City youngsters Charlie Knight, Joe Fisher and Nic Eastham, and more recently former Cherries trainees Jordan Rose and Matt Finlay.

The pair, who were released after finishing their apprenticeships at Dean Court last season, will add a physical presence to the Bash midfield, with both well over six feet tall.

Riley, who has overseen plenty of success in his time as Bash boss, believes Rose and Finlay fit the bill.

He said: "They're young prospects and are new to the non-league scene but they've settled in quite well.

"They're utility players really but I think they'll figure and give us strength in the midfield."

Asked about his team's chances this term, Riley said: "We surprised a few people last season. I think everybody thought top half have would've been respectable.

"I think the injuries we picked up at key times didn't help but we surprised everybody.

"I'd like to think we'll be in the top five and be there or thereabouts. We'll try our best and if it's good enough we'll be up there.

"After Christmas is always a key time for me and when the teams are jostling for position."

Riley, whose side fell victim of a rampant Team Bath in the play-offs last time around, thinks newly-promoted Farnborough and nearly-men Halesowen Town will be the teams to beat.

He said: "Farnborough and Halesowen are definitely ones to watch, in amongst quite a lot of teams.

"It's going to be a tough season and you can't take anything for granted in any game.

"At this level teams can take points off each other - it doesn't matter if they're at the top or bottom."

The bookies seem to agree with the Bash manager, with Halesowen 6-1 favourites for the title and Farnborough 8-1 shots.

Brackley are second favourites at 7-1, while Bash (12-1) are rated as having decent claims.

Meanwhile, any move to lure former Bash striker James Taylor back to the Recreation Ground seems to have been put on hold, with Riley confirming nothing had happened "at this moment in time".

Summer recruit Eastham is expected to get the nod to partner Bash favourite Richard Gillespie in attack, while club captain Paul Gazzard (calf) is Riley's only injury worry ahead of the trip to North Somerset.

Bashley: (from) Elm, Gazzard, Knight, Castle, Middleton, Rose, Sainsbury, Rowe, Eastham, Gillespie, Finlay, Keeler, Fisher, Hollick, Tarr, Farebrother, Knowles.