The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

Romulus boss Richard Evans reckons he's getting closer to his starting XI for the new season but is warning against complacency as competition for places hots up at Coles Lane, writes Andy Mitchell.

Evans is expected to start with a strong side against Sutton Coldfield Town in the Sutton Charity Cup on Saturday and revealed he now has a good idea of what his overhauled side will look like come the start of the new Evo-Stik NPL First Division South campaign.

Evans said: "We’re getting down to our starting eleven now, and the team that starts against Sutton should reflect that, but I still think we’re looking for a player or two. Nothing is settled yet and we have good competition in the background – the ones that can contend with that will be the ones with the places in the end.

"Some of the lads, and not all of them are last season’s players, want to just turn up and play. They’re looking over their shoulder all the time, but we want them to handle that pressure and say ‘I’m going to get that place'."

Evans insisted: "It's a healthy position to be in because the lads who are mentally stronger will come through. I hope none of them come crying to me about it because it will be down to what they do on the pitch."

The Roms head into the Sutton match on the back of a win and a draw in the last week.

Last Saturday, second half goals from Nathan Jackson, Dan O’Callaghan and trialist Ray Facey saw Romulus win 3-0 at Southern League side Cinderford Town.

A mixed team then drew 3-3 at Lichfield City on Monday – Nathan Walker scoring twice and Nathan Blissett adding their third goal.

Evans is happy with the two outings. "Cinderford were decent, but we played well in the second half," he said. "We’re being cautious about it though and there are still bits to work on with regard to shape. It was a makeshift team at Lichfield with only three starters from Saturday’s match – we had a look at a couple of trialists and it was a worthwhile exercise."

*The Sutton Charity Cup this Saturday at Coles Lane will see all gate receipts donated to The Pink Ribbon Foundation, a breast cancer charity. In addition, local manufacturer Alcoa of Kitts Green will donate £1,000 to Romulus’ nominated charity, the John Taylor Hospice in Erdington.