CONSISTENCY will be the key to winning this this season for Luctonians, says head coach Ryan Watkins, as his side look to bounce back into the Nation League 2 North at the first attempt.

Watkins' side were left ruing a mid-season drop in form last season which ultimately saw them relegated, despite a remarkable attempt at pulling themselves back out of trouble which went down to the last play of the season.

After nine seasons in the National League 2 North Luctonians have stepped down to the Midlands Premier and enforcements have been brought in to help their cause.

Former Gloucester and Moseley winger Drew Cheshire has returned to Luctonians where he started his career. He will be joined by a several new Worcester Academy under-18 players and Watkins is also hoping to bring in an overseas player ahead of the season.

"The lads have kept themselves in good shape and we are back later due to our season finishing so late," said Watkins.

"We didn't have a break from training last year or a let off because of the position we were in. Drew (Cheshire) is 100 per cent back with us which has been brilliant for the boys as he bring a lot of quality they can learn stuff from.

"He also shows a professional character and looking after himself really well. Drew will hopefully score tries and he puts in a lot of extra work so it's not by accident. He's very quick and powerful and bounces out of tackles which gives us something out wide.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him and Josh Watkins linking up together which could really cause a lot of problems for our opposition. The key for us is game management, the same as last year if we are going to consistently challenge and beat teams.

"If we want to win something we need to be a lot more consistent and the standards within the playing group higher.

Luctonians will prepare for the season with an away friendly at Droitwich this Saturday for their first and second team.

The firsts will then travel to Chippenham on August 18 while the seconds will host Wolverhampton firsts.

Luctonians competitive season begins on September 1, with two home games firstly hosting Lichfield on September 1 and then Syston a week later.

"We start with two home games which will be an opportunity to start with some good form and momentum nice and early," Watkins added.

"We are determined after last year to start the league well. The biggest thing is consistence in the middle as we can't fall off if we want to challenge for anything. It's going to be a competitive league and there are some tough teams making big statements and a lot of noise.

"We're concentrating on us and I'm not too fussed what other people are doing."