Their narrow defeat against title fancies Canterbury on the opening day of the season last week is followed by a trip to competition dark horses Holcombe tomorrow.

Holcombe were third in the National South Division last season, but cracked in 85 goals, a total bettered by just one other side in the entire National League.

And the side based in Rochester, Kent, started the current season with a bang by thrashing the traditionally strong Indian Gymkhana club 4-1.

City manager Jon Short said: "Holcombe obviously have plenty of firepower. They scored six or more goals on seven occasions last season.

"They have a brilliant short corner expert in David Matthews who is a former international player and they've signed another one this season in Simon Ramsden who has twice been the top scorer in the Premier League.

"It's another tough test for us, but we played well against Canterbury last week and if we match that standard we will have a chance."

Captain, and key defender, Mark Featherstone is missing tomorrow because of family commitments. Midfielder Scott Gilmour is absent for the same reasons.

City have another tough test on Sunday when travelling to Old Georgians, fourth in National Division One last season, in the second round of the Hockey Association Cup second round. Wisbech host East Premier A Division rivals Blueharts in the same competition.