SWINDON Town ladies are going to be there to be shot at this campaign after an impressive showing in the Women’s Premier League Division One South West last season.

With manager Steve Robertson, inset, on holiday, former Town captain Kim Reeves will take charge of proceedings on Sunday as they kick off their campaign at home to Southampton Saints.

Swindon have strengthened over the summer with Abby Picton returning from Cardiff Met and Northern Ireland international Alex Hurst joining from Bristol Academy, both in Sunday’s squad.

Reeves knows that her team will be a scalp for many in the league this season but hopes a tough pre-season schedule will hold them in good stead.

“We are hoping to take those performances into the new season now,” she said.

“Those girls have come in and gelled really nicely and we are hoping, with the experience we had last year, we’ll be able to push on that extra step this year.

“We always go into the season hoping for the best and expecting to be challenging for titles, but the way the pre-season has gone we think this will be a realistic challenge this year.”

Last season Town shared six goals in Hampshire, but completed a 3-1 victory at home, as the Saints finished in fourth spot, three points behind third placed Town.

“Southampton are a really strong side and they are expected to do well this season as well, so we have got a tough start,” added Reeves.

“It has always been competitive when we play Southampton and I think they raise their game when they play us.”

Reeves will also be relishing the prospect of playing local rivals Swindon Spitfires, who were promoted to the same league last season.

“They are always hotly anticipated,” said Reeves. “They’re going to come out and really want to beat us, so we are always going to have to be on top of our game.

“All the teams will raise their standards when they come to play us.”

Sunday’s game will be played at Shrivenham’s Barrington Park and will kick off at 2pm.