WINCHESTER City are without four key players for Saturday’s big launch back into the Southern League at home to Bridgwater Town.

Micky Hubbard (two games) and Adam ‘Taz’ Roberts (one game) are both suspended, while defenders Leigh Mills and Danny King are away.

Manager Paul Masters is also on a pre-arranged break, leaving his newly-appointed assistant Paul Wiltshire to take the reins.

It’s not ideal but, having worked overtime to get a squad together following City’s belated promotion to the Southern One South & West, Masters is convinced there is a strong foundation in place for Saturday and the season ahead.

He said: “Obviously you want the whole squad to pick from, but we’ve got 16 or 17 good players who are much of a muchness, so it’s not a massive issue (having four out) because we’re quite even as a squad.

“If we do what we should do in this league, we should have no problems. It’s all about us.

“I’m not saying we’ll go out and win the league, but I feel we will be competitive.”

City won their final pre-season warm-up game 2-0 against Blackfield & Langley on Tuesday with newly-signed targetman Dan Cann scoring the second against his old club.

“Dan’s come in and done really well,” said Masters. “He’s worked hard and is good around the dressing room. If he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s going to be a great acquisition.

“Everyone knows we played football to feet last season, but Dan’s a strong lad who allows us to mix it a bit.”

Goalkeeper-wise City now have two contenders for the spot.

Brendan Norris, a 6ft 2in, 19-year-old from Basingstoke Town, has impressed in pre-season and now has competition in the shape of Samuel Somerville, signed from Met Police.

Masters said: “(Midfielder) George Short played with Samuel at Slough Town the year they got promoted. Between Samuel and Brendan we’ve got good competition.”

Winchester face two away games next week, visiting Wimborne Town on Tuesday and Yate Town on Saturday.