Harpenden Town manager Danny Plumb has already targeted a top six league place by Christmas as they kick-off their season at home on Saturday.

Town were eighth at the conclusion of the 2013/14 SSML Division One season, but finished the second half of the campaign with 15 wins to just three losses, setting the platform for a promising campaign this year.

And, with the re-signing of 33-goal striker Harry Hunt, Plumb has his sights set on the play-off spots at the halfway point of the season and a push for the top in the New Year.

“If we can be in the first six places [at Christmas] then we can really challenge for a top spot in the second half of the season,” said Plumb.

“If we also have a couple of cup runs then that would really generate a bit of excitement around the club.

“I have already had a good pre-season because all of my players from last season have re-signed with one or two new ones and we have a new reserve team which gives me more young players to draw on.”

In Harpenden’s final pre-season match they drew 1-1 with Wembley, a Combined Counties Premier Division side, so the manager’s hopes are certainly realistic.

Over 20 players have featured in pre-season which is an encouraging sign of the squad’s strength in depth, especially when evening games in winter roll around.

“What I am really looking for is commitment from the players so that on a dark November evening when we have a midweek game away from home, when we know we will get back home late with work the next day, I can turn out a strong team,” added Plumb.

“If we can do that then it all bodes well for the rest of the season.

“The more people who get involved with the club and show commitment by helping out or coming to watch the game the better because it all helps to build the team’s confidence.”

Harpenden Town play Crawley Green at home on Saturday (August 9) at 3pm in Rothamsted Park. They travel to Southall on Tuesday (August 12) before hosting Risborough Rangers on August 16.