But the Witton boss is confident the strength in depth of his new look squad will ensure that, when the Unibond season kicks-off on Saturday, Albion will be ready to begin their bid for promotion.

Witton start their campaign at Burscough without four of the players Tully sees as essential to the club's season.

Darren Twigg and Marc Hawkes are sidelined with injuries, whilst the in-form Mike Turner is suspended and experienced midfielder Eddie Bishop begins his honeymoon.

Tully said: "For the first match we will have to make sure we are very tight.

"It will be a tactical game, but I'm confident the players coming in will do a good job. I will have the side I want by mid September.

"Eddie Bishop will be available for selection and Twigg and Hawkes should be clear of injury."

It is likely that Andy Bridge and Scott Brenchley will combine in attack as Tully juggles his squad to compensate for the players out.

He added: "We are without some vital players, but that's what a squad is for. The lads are ready for the off.

"There is still a lot of work to be done getting the balance of the side right. But when we get everybody back and match fit I think we will be a stronger side than we were last season."

Last Saturday's performance didn't help fill the Witton faithful with confidence for the new season though.

Another experimental Tully line-up was beaten 3-1 by Colwyn Bay.

Ross Millard, the former Man Utd youngster who has registered with Vics this summer, played at the expense of new signing Andy Smolenski, who didn't even appear on the bench.

It was the lack of quality from Witton's second half performance which was most worrying. With Twigg and Hawkes ruled out, it is hard to see where the goals will come from this weekend.

Albion did score first against Colwyn Bay though, Mike Turner's deflected shot on 10 minutes putting Witton in front. Another deflected shot gave Colwyn Bay an equaliser and, on the stroke of half time, Wayne Johnson scored an own goal to put Albion behind.

The third came from former Vics player Deional Graham in the second half.

MIKE Turner will be eligible to play in Witton's attack for their opening home fixture on Tuesday against Flixton.

The match kicks-off at 7.30pm.

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