REDDITCH United will find out just how well their hard work during pre-season has paid off when they commence the Southern League Premier at home to much fancied side Cambridge City at home on Saturdy (3pm ko).

Manager Liam McDonald has overall been pleased with his side's pre-season performances and the club's work in the transfer market as the Reds look to build on last season's tenth place finish.

United may have lost winger Omari Sterling-James to Cheltenham but have kept hold of last season's top scorer Jermaine Hylton and added the likes of Simeon Maye, Jamie Spencer and Liam Spink.

McDonald also singled out youthful midfield duo Max Loveridge and George Carlisle, with the latter seriously impressing the Reds boss since he joined from Cadbury Athletic in the summer.

He said: "I think Max and George have been our stand out performers in pre-season and I am very pleased for them.

"Max has really started to shine and George has been a revelation, he looks to have made the step up comfortably.

"George may have been playing three levels below but he's a good player and good performances will get you into our side.

"This is only my second pre-season so it's hard to judge but overall I have been happy with what we've done.

"I don't think any of the players I have brought in have struggled so we're looking good.

"I am looking to the start of the season, so are the fans and players too.

"Cambridge is a tough start because they have added some good players but we'll be ready for them."

United though have several injury problems with Spencer (knee), Spink (knee) and Maye (calf) all set to miss Saturday's season opener.

Redditch go into the new campaign in good shape after a solid 1-1 draw with Solihull Borough, with Edwin Ahenkorah bagging a leveller.

McDonald added: "I would like us to go into Christmas with more points than we did at the same stage last season."

After Cambridge, United are at home Chippenham on Monday (7.45pm ko).