CRICKLADE chairman Alisdair Ross hopes his side can turn their derby delight into a season-long grin as he sets his sights on an ambitious top-four finish.

Ross, who is also assistant manager at the Stones Lane club, is determined to build on the solid foundations laid by last season’s ninth-place finish in Division One West.

Cricklade’s record in local derby matches read played nine, won nine in 2007/8 and Ross hopes to rediscover that winning formula.

“Last year we had nine local derbies and I think we won them all,” he said.

“The problem was we struggled against some of the teams at the bottom of the table.

“We also made a very slow start, which has been our problem every year. We only won one of our first nine games.

“After that, looking at the form table we were up there with the top three sides in the division.

“There are some strong teams in the league this year but we should be looking to improve and push for a top four finish if we can.”

Cricklade have made several shrewd signings this summer, including the capture of former Supermarine striker Steve Winchcombe.

But the loss of top goalscorer Ben Carter to Hungerford means there will be added pressure on Winchcombe and fellow front man Jamie Magani to deliver.

“I hope Ben Carter does well. It will be difficult for him to break into the team at Hungerford, but he wants to better himself and we wish him all the best,” said Ross.

“We’ve brought in a few new faces though and I’m confident the likes of Steve and Jamie will hit the net for us.

“Pre-season has not been great results-wise, but we have had lots of lads away on holiday.

“Hopefully that does not have any effect and we can hit the ground running this time.”