Bucks face a big test

The newly-promoted Bucks open the campaign with a trip to Hucknall on August 11 in a game which will see midfielder Steve Palmer returning to his former club.

That is followed by home games with Solihull Moors (a team borne out of the merger of Solihull Borough and Moor Green) and Boston United.

The August Bank Holiday weekend also looks inviting, with a trip to Southport on the Saturday followed by the visit of near neighbours Worcester City on the Monday.

"When you look at the fixtures, you realise what a strong league it is - there really are no easy games," said Chambers.

"It's nothing like the UniBond League and we're in with the big boys now. I think that whatever teams we'd been drawn with, you'd be saying it's a tough start.

"We'll talk about it in training tonight, and I think it will have given the lads a boost to know the first game. It's something all players look forward to."

Other highlights include a festive period packed with derbies. Telford travel to Tamworth on Boxing Day and host the return fixture on New Year's Day, as well as entertaining Nuneaton on December 22 and heading to Worcester on December 29.

"It's good for the club, because I'm sure there'll be some big crowds for those games," added Chambers.

"But as far as me and Rob (Smith, manager) are concerned, we're just interested in the opposition, and those four games over the Christmas period are a bit of a nightmare.

"That will be a tough period for us with four difficult games, but we'll look forward to it.

Full 2007/8 fixtures inside tonight's Shropshire Star

By Chris Hudson