HOME comforts are the foundations for Ewyas Harold to launch their bid for a hat-trick of Herefordshire League titles this weekend.

The villagers kick off their defence of the county crown by hosting Westfields Reserves at the refurbished Recreation Ground on Saturday.

They led a nomadic existence in the second half of last season due to building work taking place at Ewyas Harold.

A clubhouse has been extended and new changing facilities constructed following a grant of £96,822 from the Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund.

It means they start this season with imposing new surrounds to match their impressive performances on the field.

Title-winning boss Tommy Taylor has stood down and has been replaced by former manager Robbie Gore and his assistant Will Lindesay.

Lindesay said:?“We can’t wait to play at Ewyas Harold again and we owe a great debt to the committee and funders who have brought about these fantastic new facilities.”

Ewyas, beaten 2-0 by Wellington Reserves in the HFL?Shield last weekend, have recruited Richard Harrison and Dave Hart from Pegasus and Rory Worthing is also back.

They also intend blooding some up-and-coming youngsters but have lost Player of the Year Ryan Davies to Hay St Mary’s.

Lindesay added:?“We had a good pre-season so it was disappointing to lose last weekend. But we hope to be challenging at the top again.”

Pegasus and Wellington reserves are sure to be competitive, while newly-promoted Ledbury Town could well make an impact.

They came up as Ledbury Town Reserves following the first team’s demise, but now revert to the senior side, with a reserve team competing in Division Two.

Ledbury open at Lads Club Reserves and boss Phil Preedy said:?“We have a good squad with everyone from last season committing again so we are optimistic.

"But there are some very good sides in the Premier Division. Ewyas Harold again will be there or thereabouts and games against Westfields, Peggy, Lads Club and Tenbury are never easy.

“As for our ground situation, we are in contact with the landowner directly so we are hopeful of a resolution.

"We will have a new home somewhere down the line so the future is looking bright.”