SWANAGE Town & Herston boss Tim Brown hopes a challenging set of pre-season fixtures will give his team a platform to go for title glory.

Brown presided over a sixth-place finish in the Dorset Premier League last term, with silverware arriving in the Dorset Premier League Cup final thanks to a 2-0 victory over Gillingham Town reserves.

And now the manager has his sights set even higher, with Swans set for eight warm-up games ahead of their title tilt.

Brown told the Daily Echo: “We definitely want to build on last season.

“We have some tough pre-season fixtures, which is what we wanted, and our main aim is to challenge for the league.

“It’s not easy but that’s what we’re going for.”

Swans begin their pre-season campaign at Sturminster Marshall on Saturday before facing Wimborne Town, New Milton reserves, Shaftesbury and Over Wallop at Day’s Park.

In August, Brown’s men will travel to Verwood Town ahead of home clashes with Corfe Castle and Dorchester Town reserves.

The fixture against Wimborne on Tuesday, July 11 is arguably the standout contest and Brown added: “Wimborne are a cracking side and it will be a good test for us.”

Boss Brown revealed Sam Beale and Andy Bartlett had verbally agreed to join Swans ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.

Former Christchurch and Verwood forward Aaron Atkinson has already signed for the Day's Park club.