AFTER a month of preparation the National League North finally begins this weekend and Bulls manager Pete Beadle thinks that his side are slightly stronger than his title winning team last season.

A turbulent summer has seen fans favourites John Mills and Pablo Haysham both decide to leave Edgar Street while Captain Jimmy Oates also departed for League Two side Exeter City.

However, a new set of names will wear the Bulls shirt this campaign and put up a spirit performance against a strong Cardiff City side last weekend.

Loanee centre-half Harvey Smith partnered the experienced Ryan Green in the heart of defence and kept experienced striker Lee Tomlin out for 54 minutes.

The Bulls themselves had chances to take a shock first half lead with Jamie Bird’s free-kick sailing over before Jennison Myrie-Williams curled his shot wide.

As Beadle’s side began to tire in the second half Cardiff exploited the extra space and Mark Harris sped down the wing before crossing for Omar Bogle to open his account.

Tomlin helped to double their lead on the 66th minute pouncing on a Callum Sainty mistake before playing in Anthony Pilkington.

A third goal came with only injury time remaining with Pilkington breaking through the defence before squaring for Rhys Healey to slot home.

Beadle said that the ruthlessness is both boxes was the difference between the sides.

"I'm really pleased with what we saw from the players and was obviously disappointed with the score and the goals but it shows how far we've come,” he said.

"We're delighted with the team Cardiff have sent down as it has given us a greater challenge and apart from maybe being a bit ruthless in both boxes we did really well today.

"Between the boxes we were excellent today and played really well but the difference was in both boxes and we weren't quite as clinical as they were.

"These are players who have played in the Championship and some have even played in the Premier League so they are no mugs and are a good side.

"They came here today and didn't stroll through the game but put a shift in and we matched them for periods. We didn't have that bit of extra quality that sometimes you ask for but that's why we are where we are.

"But then we're more established this year and have got players who are used to playing at this level or the one above. The quality has to keep getting better as we need to keep testing ourselves. The last four games have been real challenges as we've had to be on our metal in all four games and that's a good habit to have.

"It bodes well that once we start playing teams at our level that it's a bit more of an even playing field and hopefully can continue to move forward.

"In terms of quality we're on a par with where we were last year, we've lost Jimmy (Oates) and Keiran (Thomas) is not the same player, we've brought in Harry (White) and he's not the same player as John (Mills).

"We're certainly as strong as last year if not a bit stronger.”