Honiton Town manager Leroy Venn ended pre-season as a satisfied coach and a team ready for the challenges of the South-West Peninsula League.

The Hippos completed a pleasing pre-season with a 2-2 draw at Chard Town and opened their league account at Bridport on Tuesday night.

After taking a well-deserved two-goal lead at Chard, the Hippos struggled up the hill in the second half and we’re pegged back late in the game.

Honiton have played six games in pre-season and finished with four wins, one loss and one draw.

Venn commented: “It’s been a tough but pleasing pre-season. We’ve played a real mix of opponents, Ilfracombe in the Western League under the blazing sun, DC Autos in the Devon League on a 3G surface, and finally Chard Town in the infamous ‘slope’, all bringing their own challenges.

“The results are largely irrelevant, although the winning habit is welcome, the application and attitude of the players has been first class.

“We’ve played some really good football and the lads have taken well to what we’ve asked of them.

“We’ve been busy adding quality to the squad and been able to integrate new faces into the mix, alongside retaining the core of last year’s side, which has been a big positive. There is a healthy competition in the squad and training has been sharp.

Not only has it busy on the pitch for The Hippos, there has been a lot happening off the pitch too. The foundations have now been dug and the concrete poured for floodlights, the pipes laid for the electrics and a new 72-seater stand purchased. The club extended a huge thank-you to Jewsons and local builders D Selway, who have been extremely helpful.

Town have also welcomed some new faces to the committee who are working hard in the background to improve the facilities at Mountbatten, Venn continental. Sponsors are crucial in helping to maintain the football club and Town welcome any businesses to get in touch to discuss this season’s sponsorship opportunities.

These include individual player sponsorship, Man of the Match, boards around the pitch and more. Visit www.honitontownfc.co.uk or contact andrew.symonds10@icloud.com for info.

Midweek Herald: Honiton manager Leroy VennHoniton manager Leroy Venn (Image: Andrew Symonds)

Midweek Herald: Honiton v Feniton friendlyHoniton v Feniton friendly (Image: Andrew Symonds)

Midweek Herald: Action from Honiton v Feniton friendlyAction from Honiton v Feniton friendly (Image: Andrew Symonds)

Midweek Herald: Ground improvements for the HipposGround improvements for the Hippos (Image: Andrew Symonds)

Midweek Herald: Hard work at HonitonHard work at Honiton (Image: Andrew Symonds)