Sutton Common Rovers have announced a tough pre-season schedule ahead of their 2017/18 Combined Counties League campaign, writes Gary Brigden.

With the potential of a second promotion spot up for grabs, as the FA restructure Steps 4-6, Darren Salmon and his side will be going all out to ensure they are in the running for one of the places.

Pre-season starts on July 10, when they host Bostik South side Corinthian-Casuals at Sutton United.

Casuals will provide a stiff test, having missed out on promotion to the Bostik Premier on penalties in last seasons play-off final, kick off is 19:45.

That is followed with a double on the 15th, when Salmon puts out two sides, one travelling to Southern Combination Division 2 side Westfield, whilst the other host another Step 4 side in Evo-Stik Southern League Central Division One side, and reigning Combined Counties champions Hartley Wintney at Sutton United. Kick-off is at 18:30.

Monday 17th sees the side host Southern Combination Premier Division side Three Bridges, who will no doubt be looking to bounce back to the Bostik South at the first attempt following relegation last season.

Early indications out of Three Bridges are positive, with several well known signings looking to provide them with that boost.

It's Southern Combination Premier Division opponents on the 22nd, as Newhaven head up to Gander Green Lane, for a 15:00 kick-off. Newhaven and SCR have met in the previous three pre-seasons with all games being hard-fought encounters.

On the 25th Combined Counties Division One side Sheerwater are the visitors to Gander Green Lane, with a 19:45 kick-off.

The pre-season campaign concludes with a trip to Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Premier Division side Great Yarmouth Town, where their will be both first (15:00) and reserve team (13:00) fixtures.

Salmon’s side has seen some changes as the season approaches, top scorer Michael Campbell, influential midfielder Adam Allen and skipper Owen Davies, along with Jordan Johnson-Palmer, have all moved on, however these have been offset by the introduction of seven of the Epsom & Ewell squad that finished fourth last season including highly- rated forward Daryl Cooper-Smith, vice captain Matt Farrell and tricky wide man Jordan Gallagher.

EXTENDED DEADLINE: Don’t forget there is still time (now before July 31st) to grab your 17/18 Anniversary year season ticket, which includes all domestic league fixtures plus the above home pre-season matches for the bargain price of only Adults (20-59) £50.00, Concessions (60+) £35.00, Teens (13-19) £10.00 and Youths (up to 12 years) £5.00.