Pickering Town chairman Tony Dunning is keen for his side to hit the ground running this season.

With the Pikes' FA Cup extra preliminary round clash with Formby taking place on August 18, which is the second weekend of the season, Dunning feels that a winning start could hold the key to success.

Before the FA Cup clash Alex Mathie's side kick off with a trip to Garforth on August 11 and then a President's Cup clash with Selby on the following Tuesday.

Dunning said: "We need to get a good start in, that is vital for us.

"Alex Mathie has filled up the pre-season calendar with matches, we are hoping that will help.

"Alex believes that games are more important than training at this stage because it gives you the match practice you need ahead of the season.

"We do have a busy start to the season, with three important games in the first week.

"Having the FA Cup so early is unusual, but it is important we get a result because that helps with the funding for the season."

Dunning added: "Things are looking good, we just can't wait for it to get going now."