BEARS fans could be in for a good season this year following some impressive pre-season form and several new players on the books.

In the last five days Congleton have beaten three teams and have one more friendly left before the season starts in earnest next Saturday.

The first game was at home to an energetic Stockport side which ended in a 2-2 draw with goals from Graham Dodd and Rod Thornley.

Last Saturday the Bears travelled to Rhyl, a League of Wales side and won 4-2 thanks to goals from Thornley, Russell Payne, Craig Woodward and Lee Ellis.

And on Tuesday night Congleton went to Warrington and came away 3-0 victors through Dodd, Payne and Woodward.

"The pre-season preparations are taking shape very nicely," said Bears treasurer Ken Mead.

"From the initial game with Manchester City, where we were clearly outclassed by a league side, all the others have been very encouraging.

"The basic message is that the signs are that the club's squad is probably the best one we have had for a long time.

"We've got a nucleus of new players who are definitely adding to the quality of the side along with last year's team.

"We are really looking forward to the start of the season when we will find out exactly how much of what we have seen so far can be sustained at league level. We are very optimistic.

"We've got three home games in the first nine days and people will be able to come down and see us against a good range of opposition but I would say, come early."

New players include full back Chris Warrington, who joins from Chester and had half a dozen first team appearances.

Others include mid-fielder Craig Woodward and Mike O'Neil along with Rod Thornley and Lee Ellis who scored in the last few friendlies.

Tonight Congleton face Stoke City for the last of the friendlies before the league campaign starts on Saturday, August 22, against Bradford.

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