PHIL Mullen took the confident step of naming his side for Sat-urday's clash with Sutton Coldfield Town four days before his charges embark on a new Dr Martens League campaign.

The Common Road boss expressed himself delighted with his squad's build-up and also the quality of player he has managed to bring to Evesham.

There will be a handful of new faces in the United eleven with twin strikers Sam Bowen and Steve Taylor hoping to provide the ammunition to erase unhappy memories of the former Kidderminster manager's first term in charge.

Former Shepshed goalkeeper Damien Beattie will make his debut between the sticks, while Matt Pendleton and Mark Wolsey will take their places in defence and midfield respectively.

"I felt the need to add a cutting edge to the side, while also retaining the bulk of last season's squad," said Mullen. "I think I have succeeded on both counts but what remains to be seen is whether we can do ourselves justice on the pitch when it matters.

"All in all I believe we have a strong, quality squad but it might take a few weeks for everything to gel together. Stafford didn't really get going until late September last year and look where they finished."

Mullen's acquisition of Bowen and Taylor has proved something of a coup.

"Sam's arrival is a great asset,"declared a delighted Mullen. "Wherever he has played he has scored goals. And since he arrived there has been a renewed air of optimism about the place.

"Steve has played at both League and Conference level and anyone watching him can see that he is a top class."

Wolsey will bring balance and distribution to the midfield area, while Pendleton's arrival has kept Steve Shaw in the background so far.

However, the other regular defenders - Andy Smith, Paul West and Jay Powell have been given the nod for Saturday, alongside the midfield trio of Steve McCartan, Phil Preedy and Joe Licata.

Another newcomer Russell Parmenter is on holiday, while Paul Burton's rib injury is still giving him problems.

The United chief has also been impressed by 17-year-old James Brown, who is likely to be given a place on the bench against Sutton.

The youngster scored the winner in last week's 2-1 defeat of Witney after a Smith own goal had wiped out Bowen's powerful strike and Brown may be needed if Evesham repeat last season's toils when they failed to score against their opening day visitors.

"It's important that we make a good start for my own peace of mind and we must also correct our poor home record of recent years," Mullen concluded.

Saturday's match is being sponsored by Cotswold Provisions and the ball by Tarry's of Swan Lane.

United visit Blakenall on Tuesday when the youth team entertain Southam United. Both games start at 7.30pm.