The Candi United players trained hard in pre-season ahead of what promises to be a tough campaign in the top-flight of the Middlesex County Football League

KARL Usher netted Camden & Islington United’s first ever goal in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County Football League on Saturday as the club started life in the top flight with a 1-1 draw.

Having dominated Division One last season on their way to winning the title – and with it promotion to level 11 of the national football league system – expectations are high ahead of the new campaign.

So there was “a touch of disappointment” in the air when Usher’s goal away to Cricklewood Wanderers was cancelled out late on.

Candi United will be looking to start their home fixtures with a win this weekend when they take on Feltham FC at Hackney Marshes.

“We’ve got the players to do really well in this division, so there was a touch of disappointment on Saturday when we conceded a late equaliser,” admitted club founder Nick Wigmore. “The players have been training really well, and they’ll be confident that they can start their home campaign with a win this weekend.

“It’s going to be a long old season. In total we’re going to play 32 league games compared to only playing 20 last season in Division One, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”