Colney Heath manager Ryan Thompson believes this year’s squad is well-equipped to give the club the success it craves.

Herts Advertiser: Charlie Hunter in action for Colney Heath. Picture: Karyn HaddonCharlie Hunter in action for Colney Heath. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

The Magpies have already tasted some success with their Herts Charity Shield win over WGC in April but officials and supporters want more this season.

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath's Niall Lysaght. Picture: Karyn HaddonColney Heath's Niall Lysaght. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

And although the balance of youth and experience has been a characteristic of the side in the last year or so, the Recreation Ground gaffer thinks he has got the mix almost spot on ahead of the new campaign.

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath's Jack Woods. Picture: Karyn HaddonColney Heath's Jack Woods. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

He said: “We didn’t have enough experience last year that’s for sure although we’ve got a lot of young kids coming through.

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath's Callum Dudrenec. Picture: Karyn HaddonColney Heath's Callum Dudrenec. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“And some of these youngsters are now a year old in terms of having played last year so the balance is good, we’ve just got to work on the partnerships.

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath's Callum Dudrenec. Picture: Karyn HaddonColney Heath's Callum Dudrenec. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“We just want to win every game and see where it takes us. We want to do really well and the club craves a bit of success.

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath manager Ryan Thompson. Picture: Karyn HaddonColney Heath manager Ryan Thompson. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“I don’t want to say we’re going to do this or that, we’ve just got to go along and make sure we’re right, make sure the attitude is good and compete in every game.

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath's Danny Fitzgerald. Picture: Karyn HaddonColney Heath's Danny Fitzgerald. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“And then hopefully the quality we’ve got will take care of itself and we can push on.”

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath's Davie Edme. Picture: Karyn HaddonColney Heath's Davie Edme. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

Heath continued their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over Wodson Park, Harvey Scott-Morris getting both goals.

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath's Charlie Hunter has a shot at goal. Picture: Karyn HaddonColney Heath's Charlie Hunter has a shot at goal. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

Thompson had the luxury of choosing two different teams to play in each half and while that may be too much to carry into the season, he says it is not far off what he wants.

Herts Advertiser: Jack Woods wins a header for Colney Heath against Wodson Park. Picture: Karyn HaddonJack Woods wins a header for Colney Heath against Wodson Park. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“Some of the players we’ve signed are good players,” he said, “and we’ve still got four more lads to come back.”

Herts Advertiser: Colney Heath's Spencer Clarke-Mardel. Picture: Karyn HaddonColney Heath's Spencer Clarke-Mardel. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

“I’ve got a headache but it’s a good headache to have.

“We didn’t have that last year, the team basically picked itself even if it was sometimes square pegs in round holes.

“This season we should be a lot stronger. We’ve good options, probably got two for each position, and there are a lot of good kids still in the reserves.”

The Wodson Park game was played at the Hertforshire Sports Village as the dry conditions wreak havoc. The switch was not ideal though.

Thompson said: “Even on the 3G, you could feel the rubber getting hot and the ball seemed to stick to it at times.

“Everything is a little bit false but what can you do? We’re just looking to get the fitness going. It’s a tough one.”