DESPITE a big reduction in playing budget, Didcot Town manager Andy Ballard remains cautiously optimistic ahead of the new Evo-Stik South League West campaign, writes Michael Knox.

The Railwaymen kick off their Evo-Stik South West season with a long trip to Bideford Town, buoyed by an encouraging pre-season campaign,

After losing narrowly to a full-strength National league side Eastleigh, they defeated Oxford City 2-1.

“While you can’t read too much into pre-season results, the displays against Eastleigh and Oxford City, which was a very good scalp, have boosted confidence in the squad,” he said.

“Because of a reduction in sponsorship, we’re running on a tight budget, but with a couple of signings and some good youngsters coming through, I’m hopeful of a good season.”

The most interesting signing is Australian Josh Pin, a midfielder from Far North Queensland Heat, who is making his first trip to England.

Matt Woodley has returned from North Leigh to play down the left, while Ballard has also signed on Owen Holloway (Letcombe), ex-Oxford United youth player Lewis Hayden (Aylesbury) and Seth Humphries from Oxford City Nomads.

These make up for the departures of Ben Whitehead to Cirencester Town and James Organ to Kidlington.

“I’m sitting firmly on the fence, with regards to predictions,” said Ballard. “We’ll take each game as it comes and see how it goes.”

The Railwaymen had to come from behind in their 4-1 victory in their friendly at home to Cwmbran Celtic on Saturday.

The visitors capitalised on an error to take the lead, only for the hosts to level it minutes later as George Jeacock scored from close range.

Didcot scored again just before the break, when a poor goal-kick fell to Oxford United youngster Dejon Noel Williams, who fired home.

They extended their advantage in the second half through Sam Elkins’s deflected free-kick, while George Reid, making his first start this pre season, added a fourth.

Ballard revealed that the club had not yet decided to sign Noel Williams.

For the game against Wimborne, Didcot’s ‘Football for a Fiver’ scheme will be in operation.

PLAYERS IN

Owen Holloway (Letcombe), Lewis Hayden (Aylesbury), Seth Humphries (Oxford City), Matt Woodley (North Leigh), Josh Pin (Far North Queensland Heat).

PLAYERS OUT

Ben Whitehead (Cirencester), James Organ (Kidlington).