Halesowen will be out to make it tough for Workington in the opening match of the season declared Reds boss Dave Hewson.

The two sides will clash at Borough Park on Saturday afternoon, ko 3pm, in the first Evo Stik Northern Premier encounter of the season.

And Hewson is not expecting an easy ride from their visitors, despite their lowly finish at the end of last term.

Halesowen finished just outside the relegation zone in 19th last season but Hewson admitted he wasn't sure what to expect, with personnel changes across the board at the majority of their rivals.

"Halesowen have had quite a bit of turnover and it is difficult to know the personnel they have brought in as we are quite a distance away from them," he said.

"But I'll be speaking to some people about them to find out more.

"I believe they will be a similar team to last season in that they will be a well organised and disciplined side.

"They will be difficult to beat and will look to make things tough for us.

"It is a long journey for them and they will be wanting to get it out of the way but they will still want to come away from the game with something."

Halesowen have strengthened in recent weeks with three more landing in the last few days prior to the opening game.

Striker Roland Agbor has joined from Bilston Town, attacking midfielder Ben Clarke has returned to the Grove on-loan from Kidderminster Harriers and former Crewe Alexandra central midfielder Joe Howell has also signed.

They are added to Alexander Woodhouse, Jack Kelly, James Spray and Luke Shearer, as well as the returning Jordan Goddard.

Assistant manager Matt Clarke told the Halesowen News that he believes they have come a long way, with more quality added.

He said: "I think we'd still like another striker and one more defender but we'll keep looking for the right people.

"Overall, we're happy heading into the first game and looking forward to the season.

"Workington is going to be a tough start but we'll go there and work hard and would be happy to come back with any sort of result. We'll certainly go there believing we can get something.

"I won't make any bold predictions for the season because we're just going to try and keep improving again.

"Last year was a poor season so the first thing will be to make sure we are well away from the relegation fight this time around."