BEN Search is confident a new look Great Wakering Rovers can push for promotion in the Essex Senior League this season.

Wakering kick off their campaign with a trip to West Essex on Saturday.

And Search wants it to be the start of another memorable campaign for Marcus Bowers' side who reached the FA Vase final at Wembley last term.

"I think as a team this year there is no reason as to why we shouldn't be competing at the very top," said Search.

"Last year's amazing cup run did have an effect on our league position and we have unfinished business to put right this year to get the club back to where it belongs."

Wakering's squad has changed significantly since the end of the previous campaign.

But Search still feels they have what it takes to be up towards the top.

"It's no lie that we have lost a lot of players from last year but that's football," said Search.

"It has taken some time to gel but in the last couple of games we have really started to show good quality, togetherness and a winning mentality.

"We have still kept the main core and have added some real quality players too."

And Search feels Rovers have improved throughout their warm up matches.

"Pre-season has been as good as pre-season can be I guess," said Search.

"We started a bit slow but in the last couple of games we have started to click and things look to be moving in the right direction."

And Search wants that progression to continue against West Essex.

"I'm looking forward to Saturday, even though it feels like we haven't had a break," said Search.

"We know West Essex will be strong and well organised so we need to make sure we apply ourselves.

"I am sure we will start the season with three points."