Assistant boss Daz Edey is pleased with the progress Wisbech Town are making ahead of the new season.

Wisbech Standard: New signing Ryan Harnwell got one of the Wisbech Town goals as they thumped Thetford. Picture: IAN CARTERNew signing Ryan Harnwell got one of the Wisbech Town goals as they thumped Thetford. Picture: IAN CARTER (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

The Fenmen are gearing up for life at Step 4 in the Northern Premier League Division One East – which begins with a home date against Frickley on August 18 - after winning promotion last term. Before that, they start the campaign with an FA Cup extra preliminary round clash against Cogenhoe on August 11.

And they appear to be hitting form at the right time after thumping lower-level Thetford Town 8-0 in an Elgoods Fenland Stadium friendly last Saturday.

Prospective signing Tyler Wright opened the scoring, but the left-sided player has since opted against a move to Wisbech to stay with reigning United Counties League Division One champions Pinchbeck.

Wisbech had initially been due to host Pinchbeck last Saturday, but Thetford stepped in after the Lincolnshire side pulled out of the fixture.

Wisbech Standard: Tyler Wright scored against Thetford but is not joining Wisbech Town. Picture: IAN CARTERTyler Wright scored against Thetford but is not joining Wisbech Town. Picture: IAN CARTER (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

Last season’s top-scorer Alex Beck struck twice with the other Fenmen goals coming from fellow frontman Michael Frew, summer signings Ryan Harnwell and Aaron Hart, and midfielders Adam Millson and Sam Murphy.

“It was never going to be an easy summer for us,” said Edey. “We’re competing with clubs with much bigger budgets so it is tough to attract signings.

“We’re also going to be doing a lot of miles next season and that can put players off. That was the case with Tyler who were offered a really good deal, but he has decided to stay in the UCL.

“We knew we weren’t going to be in a position to cherry-pick players. We’ve almost had to wait for clubs higher up to finalise their squads before making moves ourselves and we’re still looking to pick two or three lads up.

Wisbech Standard: Sam Murphy (left) and Aaron Hart (right) both scored in Wisbech Town's friendly victory against Thetford. Picture: IAN CARTERSam Murphy (left) and Aaron Hart (right) both scored in Wisbech Town's friendly victory against Thetford. Picture: IAN CARTER (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

“But we’ve had solid numbers at training sessions and we’ve done well in the last couple of friendlies.

“We beat St Ives, who play a level above us, last Tuesday and then scored a lot of goals when looking superb against Thetford.

“It’s all about making sure we’re competitive on August 11 and I’m sure we will be.”

Wisbech complete their pre-season programme when entertaining King’s Lynn Reserves this Saturday.