Thame United seek to banish the memories of two successive promotion heartbreaks in Ryman League Division 1 by making it third time lucky this time.

Andy Sinnott's side missed out in the last game two years ago and then suffered a dramatic collapse last term, throwing away a 12-point lead at the top to eventually finish fifth.

Sinnott, whose men kick off a new campaign against Ford United at Windmill Stadium tomorrow, believes his players have learnt lessons from their double near miss and are ready to set the record straight.

He said: "I think we have a very strong and talented squad together and I can't wait to unleash them.

"We are looking for a good season. Obviously we were disappointed at the end of last season, but we have dealt with that internally and we are looking to get going again.

"We are looking to be contenders again. We are a year older and a year wiser and the younger players have had the experience of being up there and dealing with the pressure."

Goalkeeper Ian Moores' untimely departure to Australia in the thick of the promotion race hampered Thame's challenge last term, but Sinnott has been pleased to replace him with the experienced Alan Foster from Oxford City.

For tomorrow's opener, midfielder Chris Fontaine faces a fitness test on a hip injury, while Justin Lee is building up match fitness with the reserves.

INS AND OUTS

In: A Foster (Oxford City), J Saulsbury (Marlow), S Lewington (Hampton & Richmond Borough), N Galatin (Newcastle Tn), E Silvestri (Hitchin Tn).

Out: N Perna (Bedford Tn), J Mitchell (Oxford City), G Williams (Aylesbury Utd).

Missing: J Louis (prison - dangerous driving).

Verdict: Promotion potential, but likely to find it tougher this time around after two near misses.