SALISBURY City renew their acquaintance with Hitchin Town tomorrow (Saturday) when their former Southern League rivals visit the Raymond McEnhill Stadium for the league's traditional curtain-raiser to the new season.

Premier Division champions Salisbury take on the winners of the League (Errea) Cup for the right to lift the Southern League Championship Shield.

As expected, with their debut Conference South fixture now just a week away, City boss Nick Holmes says he's taking the game seriously and will put out the strongest side available to him for the visit of the Canaries, who Whites twice beat 3-0 last season.

Robbie Matthews scored a hat-trick at Hitchin's Top Field ground back in January, keeping his place in the starting line up following his excellent game at Canvey Island in the FA Trophy the previous week.

After goals from Luke Prince and Wayne Turk had put City in front, the striker came on as a sub and scored again in the return fixture at Old Sarum in April - just days after a memorable victory at King's Lynn had put them in the driving seat to secure automatic promotion.

But Matthews was only made aware of his goal en route to hospital after being knocked unconscious in an accidental collision with the Hitchin keeper as they both bravely went for a high ball in the Hitchin box.

Whites continued their fine run and eventually won the title by 12 points while Hitchin went on to win their two-legged League Cup final against Bromsgrove Rovers.

Since then, the Hertfordshire side have lost top scorer Joshua Sozzo - the league's Golden Boot winner - who signed for Conference side St Albans City - which is where Adam Wilde will kick off the new campaign after helping the Whites secure the league title.

Despite beating them twice, Holmes clearly rated the Hertfordshire outfit, managed by former Luton Town and Scotland under 21 international Darren Salton, and believes they will be there or thereabouts this time around in the Southern League's top flight.

"I thought they were a useful side last season and they'll be looking to do even better this time around."

However, Holmes is keen for his own side to add to their collection of silverware tomorrow.

"There's a trophy at stake and we're in front of our own supporters so we'll go out there wanting to win."

Grant Carney has been brought in as Sozzo's replacement and the former Dunstable striker has targeted 30 goals in the season ahead.

Of their return to the Ray Mac, Salton told Hitchin's official website this week: "This is a big game for us and a huge test to see how far we've come.

"Salisbury will be one week away from their first league game, so they will be fielding a strong team."

Salton expressed his delight with his team's performance in a 3-2 victory against a young Crystal Palace side last Saturday, adding: "We played some good football and there were a lot of positives from the game, particularly in midfield."

However, Hitchin have a couple of injury worries ahead of the trip to Wiltshire. Both Chris Dillon and Gavin Jaggard are doubtful, while Neil Pugh is also struggling to be fit in time.

In contrast, Whites will be at full strength - Scott Bartlett has a slight calf strain following Monday evening's 3-0 win at Bishop's Cleeve, while Robbie Matthews and Matt Holmes were allowed to take things easy in training last night after starring in Wednesday's 8-1 defeat of AFC Totton. All three are expected to feature in the City squad that Holmes will announce tomorrow lunchtime.

For those supporters unable to attend the game, team news will appear on this site approximately 30 minutes before the 3pm kick off.

Further details will be posted during the half-time break with the full-time score to be confirmed here as soon as possible.

Post-match reaction/interviews will be posted at around 5pm.

* additional information courtesy of Hitchin Town's official website - www.hitchintownfc.co.uk