NEW College coach Matt Cosnett says that he has been pleased with how his new look squad is developing this summer.

The South Martson-based side have been back in for pre-season training for a week now and the Hellenic League squad have already claimed their first friendly win against Longwell Green, who play in the Western League Premier Division, with Josh Croucher’s strike the only goal of the game.

While the majority of the players that featured were from the college’s third year set-up, several members - Ryan Morgan, Ollie Hunt, Kai Robinson and Antonio Gerrish - from the Under 18s side also featured.

“The first year players that we have got this year are doing really well,” Cosnett said. “They have been back a week now and we are already stepping it up.

“Four of the lads, who are just 16, played in the Hellenic League side’s friendly against Longwell Green and did well.

“Longwell are basically last season’s Tytherington Rocks (who won Hellenic League Division One West) as the manager and a lot of the players have moved across.

“So it was a very good performance and we are happy with how it all went.”

New College are also preparing their Under 18s for their first venture into the FA Youth Cup.

The side, who playing the South West Counties League, will travel to either Bristol Rovers or Gloucester City on the week commencing September 22.

“It is great that we are in the FA Youth Cup, but it is a very tough tie for us,” Cosnett said.

Meanwhile, Cirencester Town continued their preparations for the life in Southern League Premier Division with a 3-0 success at Hellenic League newcomers Longlevens.

Mark Pritchett gave the Centurions the lead in the 22nd minute before Aidan Bennett doubled the advantage early in the second period and then Liam O’Brien rounded off the scoring late on.

Fairford Town bounced back from their 8-2 defeat to Binfield with a goalless draw with Wroughton, while Purton fell to a 5-2 lose against Western League side Devizes Town.