DEFENDER Jamie Smith believes Malvern Town’s gruelling week of training in the heat will pay dividends as they gear up for Saturday’s friendly against neighbours Worcester City at the HDanywhere Community Stadium (noon).

Malvern’s players have endured sweltering conditions since reporting to the club ahead of the 2018-19 West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division campaign.

But Smith, who has returned to Town after featuring last term, reckons the summer training block will serve them well.

“It’s great to be back at the club and looking forward to the new season,” he said.

“It’s been hard work so far this pre-season, particularly with the heat, but hopefully it will all pay off when the season starts.

“Building up my fitness levels is key for me because I didn’t play much in the second half of last season and I need a good pre-season under my belt this time around.”

Malvern will begin their pre-season schedule with a home clash against Worcester who play in the Midland League Premier Division.

“As a group we’re all looking forward to the first game on Saturday,” Smith said.

“It’ll be a good battle against Worcester City and hopefully there will be a decent turn-out of supporters for what is a local derby.

“Obviously our opponents are a level above us and even though it is still very early days, it will give us a big indication of where we’re at.

“We’ve worked on a few things in training that we are keen to implement into a game situation, so Saturday will give us that opportunity.

“My aim for the season ahead is to help the club progress and get to where it wants to be.”

After Saturday’s game, Malvern then face a stern test from Southern Premier League Central Division new-boys, Alvechurch, as they visit the HDanywhere Community Stadium on Thursday, July 12.

Seven days later Town host Dudley FC before a trip to Newent Town AFC on Saturday, July 21 where the reserves do battle first before the respective first-teams lock horns.

It is a similar double-header on Saturday, July 28 when Malvern welcome Stonehouse Town of the Gloucestershire County League before rounding off the month with the visit of Littleton on Tuesday, July 31.