MORWENSTOW AFC’s first team are looking to push on in the North Devon Football League Premier Division this season following last year’s narrow escape.

The Greens required a final day victory to avoid an immediate return to the Senior Division, but having brought in three big players in Lewis Cornish, Finn Reeve and Corey Gilbert, hopes are high that they will be competing at the other end.

Centre-half Cornish arrives from South West Peninsula League Premier East side Torrington, while left-sided defender Reeve is back following an impressive spell at Bude Town.

Gilbert has been a regular scorer of goals in the St Piran League for Week St Mary and adds to the attacking options.

Also coming from Gilbert’s old club are the versatile Owen Roberts, left-sided player Charlie Bird and midfielder Jake Burnage.

Morwenstow also have a new manager in Kevin Souch following Robert Pengilly’s decision to stand down.

Souch said: “It's a real privilege to be managing the first team at a club that means so much to me. I came through the youth system at Morwenstow before playing adult football for the club. After my playing days, I spent 10 years coaching in the youth section before managing the men's second team for the past three seasons, so stepping up to the first team is something I'm incredibly proud of.”

He also had his say on his new recruits, adding: “We're still a very young squad, with the vast majority of our players aged 21 or under, but we've worked hard to add quality and experience.

“We're delighted to have signed Finn and Lewis who will strengthen the back line and bring experience from a higher level, while we've also welcomed talented striker Corey Gilbert from Week St Mary, and it'll be great to see him lining up alongside his brother, Jake.

“What makes Lewis and Corey returning even more special is that they both came through Morwenstow's youth system. In fact, 35 of our current registered men's players have progressed through our youth set-up, which is something everyone at the club should be incredibly proud of and is a pathway we want to continue for many years to come.”

Souch is also determined to get it right on and off the pitch.

He continued: “We're also delighted that Will Bryant will continue as club captain. His leadership and experience will be invaluable to such a young squad. I've also brought Rob Francis into the coaching team, and his experience from higher-level football will be a huge asset to both the players and the club.

“Retaining our place in the North Devon Premier Division last season was a massive achievement, and I believe that's helped us attract the calibre of players we've signed this summer. There's a real buzz around the club, competition for places is stronger than ever and the players have been outstanding throughout pre-season.

“We know how competitive the Premier Division will be, so we're not getting carried away, but we're excited by the challenge ahead. Our aim is to keep developing our young players in both teams and continue moving the club forward and give our supporters a team they can be proud of.”

Morwenstow are set to open their league campaign on Saturday, August 15, but have yet to receive their fixtures.