Manager Brett Whaley's side have had a generally good pre-season, with draws against Wisbech Town and Yaxley and wins over Fletton, Soham Town and Stilton. The only defeat came at Littleport.

The Hares particularly impressed in the 0-0 draw against Yaxley and the 3-3 encounter with Wisbech.

Whaley said: "In both those games we showed that we can compete with sides from a higher league. We defended particularly well against Yaxley, who fielded a big side and put us under a lot of pressure at set pieces.

"We coped well with that and that was not always the case last season when we were vulnerable in those situations – so that has to be good.

"We perhaps showed Wisbech a little too much respect early on in Thursday's game but, once we got going, I thought we competed with them well and twice went ahead in the game.

"It is a tough openeing game against Ipswich Wanderers, who will be keen to get off to a good start after being relegated at the end of last season and it will be a good test."

It seems almost certain that Whaley will continue to play skipper Luke Pepper in a role behind the lone striker, Andy Wayte, in this week's game against the Ipswich side.

The Anker brothers have returned to play at the club. Chris had taken over the goalkeeper's jersey from Dave Beaney, while Michael will provide the strength in the centre of the defence.

New signing Dave Weston, who has scored three times in the friendlies, is expected to continue in centre midfield alongside Grant Watson.

Shaun Colson is away on Saturday but Whaley hopes he and Marc Welcher will be available to play at full back more often this season. Whaley added: "With injuries we were not often able to play them both at full back last season so I am sure that will give us a boost this season.

"I think we have a much stronger squad available with cover for almost every position to help cope with any injuries. I have to be hopeful we can improve a lot on last season's performances and finish higher up the table."

Striker Denny Escorcio is on holiday so misses Saturday's game but Whaley still has Ash Brand and Lee White, who has been out with an ankle injury, available up front. Ben Hepworth is also available again and he might well come in for Colson at right back on Saturday after playing at Chatteris last night.

On Tuesday night March are at home to Godmanchester.