ByJames Masters, James Masters
Zack Gothelf is backing his Oakhill Lions to make a roaring start to their MJSL title challenge when they take on Haroldeans on Sunday.
The Manchester University side held their first training session on Wednesday and are hoping to hit the ground running when they take on the in-form Merseysiders.
Oakhill endured a disappointing campaign last term after winning just six league games on their way to finishing seventh.
A crushing 6-2 victory over South Manchester 2nd in the final of the Feldman Trophy was the highlight of the season but Gothelf wants the league to take priority this season.
“We had a good run in the cup last season but we need to put the league first,” he said.
“Winning the league would bring about a lot more satisfaction and although I don’t want to set our targets too high, I do think we’ve got a very good squad.
"A lot of our defenders from last season have left after graduating or doing years abroad for their degree but we’ve got some very good players.”
One player who will not be available is last season’s top scorer Dan Cohen, who has returned to London after graduating.
Cohen hit 23 goals last season to finish second in the MJSL scoring charts and Gothelf admits he faces a real challenge to find a new frontman.
“Dan going back to London is a really big blow because he’s a top quality player,” he added.
“We’ve got a few strikers which I’m going to have a look at and hopefully we’ve got someone who can come in and do a job.”