ELY City boss Alan Alsop believes his side can make the leap from runners-up to champions this upcoming season thanks to a series of new additions to his squad.

The Robins enjoyed an unprecedented season of success last year, taking the Cambs Invitation Cup with a win over rivals Soham while finishing runners-up in the Ridgeons Premier Division.

In the close season, Alsop has been busy in the transfer market and has added five new faces to the squad that he believes could help push his side onto glory next term.

Alsop has brought in centre-half Darren Coe from Newmarket, striker Andrew Claydon from Norwich United, midfielder Lewis Thompson from Wisbech, versatile defender Taylor Parr from CRC and midfielder Josh Curry from Bury Town.

He said: “We had a good group of players last year and we have added some new faces who I hope, are going to be able to push us on this season.

“I wanted to get some competition in the squad and we have got 18 players now so I’m hoping they will all push eachother on and take us to a new level.

“I’m happy with how things have been going in preseason, the team have been working hard and all we have lacked is a little bit of luck in front of goal but im confident that will come on August 4.”

In the last week, the Robins have hosted both Deeping Rangers and Histon at the Unwin Ground but, despite some solid performances, they have lost out on both occasions, 3-1 and 1-0 respectively.

A goal from Dan Holman was enough to secure Histon the win on Tuesday night but Alsop said his side remained the better of the two throughout an engaging second half and were unlucky not to come away with more.

Alsop’s men are hosting AFC Sudbury on Saturday at the Unwin Ground, with only the visit of Chatteris Town on July 31 to come before they take on Kirkley and Pakefield in the season opener on August 4.

LITTLEPORT Town stalwart Dave Cullum has stepped down from his role as manager of the club after 15 years.

The announcement that Cullum was to hand over the reins at the club came just hours after his side’s 4-2 pre-season friendly win at Cherry Hinton.

According to the club, Paul Starling and David Beeton will be taking over at the helm for the upcoming season, where Port will contest for the Kershaw Premier Division title.