KEVIN Horlock wants his Maldon and Tiptree side to hit the ground running when they kick off on their Ryman League division north season this weekend.

Horlock, who took over from Steve Ball in the Park Drive hot seat earlier this summer, is keen for the Jammers to make a positive start to the new campaign when they host Essex neighbours Brightlingsea Regent on Saturday, at Park Drive.

Maldon follow that game up with a trip to play Norwich United next Tuesday night, before turning their attentions to FA Cup action.

Horlock said: “We’ll be looking to hit the ground running in our opening games.

“Brightlingsea are one of the favourites in the division this season and they have a strong squad.

“We then travel to play Norwich United who have just won the division below on the Tuesday night, which will be a long journey for us.

“They will be two tough league games to start with and then we play Ware in the FA Cup, so it’s important that we start well.”

Maldon will head into the new season in good heart, following an impressive 1-0 friendly win at Horlock’s former club Needham Market last weekend.

Adam Mills netted the Jammers’ winner to give them victory over their Ryman Premier opponents.

Maldon have boosted their numbers over recent days with the announcement of three new signings.

Former Birmingham City and Cheltenham Town goalkeeper James Behan has been snapped up, as has teenage left-back Joe Claridge who previously played academy football at both Chelsea and West Ham United.

Maldon have also brought in lofty centre-half George Essuman, formerly of Ware.

Meanwhile, Horlock believes Billy Roast’s decision to stay at Maldon this season is a huge boost.

The former Colchester United midfielder, who played 34 times for the Jammers last season, recently put pen to paper on a fresh deal to stay at Park Drive.

Horlock added: “Billy has a good pedigree and it’s massive for us that he’s staying.

“He has the ability to play at a higher level and there was a chance that might have happened this season.

“He went away and trained with other teams but he’s decided he wants to play for Maldon and Tiptree and that’s fantastic news.

“He’s a great lad and it’s massive news for everyone that he’s staying with us.”