THE message from Lydney Town boss Mark Lee to his players is simple this season – just keep improving.

Lee’s men surprised many by securing a comfortable mid-table spot in their debut season in the Hellenic League Premier Division after earning promotion from Division One West with a third-place finish.

The Severnsiders ended up 12th in 2015/16 after a rocky start to the season that saw them pick up four points from their opening five fixtures.

But their form soon picked up and Lydney recorded 14 wins, including a memorable 6-2 home victory over county rivals Longlevens, and Lee wants to see his side continue their steady upwards trajectory.

“We’re always trying to move forward,” he said.

“The top six in this league are out there by themselves really so if we can get close to that we’re making good progress.”

Two of Town’s summer signings, Chris Addis and Garry Wildin from fellow Forest side Ellwood, are now unable to sign for the club with work commitments taking precedence.

But the signings of winger Tom Maxsted and full-back Mason Lewis, a loanee from Gloucester City’s Under-18s side, have boosted Town’s prospects for the new season.

Lydney kicked off their season with a 2-0 away win at Gloucestershire rivals Brimscombe & Thrupp – a trip Lee said is ’always difficult’ – on Tuesday night, and take on Team Solent in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup on Saturday at the Rec at 3pm.