HAMBLE Club will make history tomorrow evening (Tuesday) when the Monks host their first ever Sydenhams Premier fixture, against Newport IW, at the place they call ‘The Abbey'.

Having breezed to the Division One title last term, manager Ben Kneller would like to think his side are capable of a top-eight finish on their maiden Premier voyage.

But when it comes to talking titles, there is only one name on Kneller’s mind – that of neighbours Sholing.

“They’re in a league of their own,” he said. “They’re strong, powerful, they’ve got goals in them and they don’t concede many either.

“I don’t always agree with Rich Luffman at Alresford, but when he said Sholing were hot favourites to win the league, I couldn’t argue.

“Rich has made it apparent that they (Alresford) want to have a go at it too, Blackfield will always be up there and Sus (Ian Saunders) at AFC Portchester knows how to win this league.

"There's Portland (the champions) too, but it looks like they've been raided by Dorchester so I don't know how strong they will be.

“We’ve got guys in our squad who have won the league with Winchester City and Blackfield, so I’d like to think we can finish top-half and maybe squeeze into the top eight.

“Getting into the Premier Division is another milestone for us and we’re all excited for it. We’re trying to put down a footprint here for the club to be stable going forward.

"But we're under no illusions about how tough Newport will be tomorrow. They've got players like Aidan Sainsbury and Scott Sampson who's one of the best centre-halves in the league."

Hamble's summer strike signing Sam Wilson sits out the opener with an ankle knock, while Doug Rowe (one game), Craig Shrimpton (one) and ex-Whitchurch man Jack McCarthy (four) are all suspended.

On the plus side, former Sholing and AFC Totton winger Nick Watts has penned forms for the 2017/18 adventure and the Monks have signed Sussex-based midfielder Ben Kemplen who works for Saints Foundation.

“It’s a real good squad with good togetherness. Hopefully we won’t embarrass ourselves along the way,” said Kneller.

Sholing - away to Cowes Sports tomorrow - have made just one summer addition, young striker Connor Kelly from Newport IW. But having Jack Smith fit again is like a brand new signing.

“Jack’s had a very bad ankle injury, but he played the other night against Fawley and was outstanding,” said Boatmen’s boss Dave Diaper. “To be out for a year, come back for two or three training sessions and pick up where he left off is admirable.

“Jack plays virtually anywhere – centre-back, left-back or central midfield. He’s a manager’s dream.”

Young Sholing defender Owen Roundell misses tomorrow after a minor ankle operation and experienced centre-back Pete Castle – now part of the backroom staff – is unavailable.