Neil Lederman believes London Maccabi Vale are capable of mounting another promotion challenge this season.

LMV have been promoted twice since joining the Chess Valley League and captain Lederman, 26, is confident his team will hit the ground running in the Division Four opener against Long Marston at Rowley Lane on Sunday.

“The aim is to be competitive, bring through a couple of the juniors who have impressed during winter training and win promotion,” said Lederman.

“We have 11 league matches scheduled this season, four more than last season, so we’ll need a real squad effort if we’re to go up.”

Lederman predicts “big things” from Ben Kohler, who is scheduled to return after a couple of seasons out through injury, along with winter arrival Steven Allweis.

With Brentham, West Herts, Lohana, North Mymms, St John’s Wood, Wembley, Chingford, Winchmore Hill, Bushey and Ealing Hanwellonians also lining up in the division, Lederman is confident LMV can compete against “some strong clubs”. He said: “You never know what you’re going to get in the Chess Valley League.”

Wicket-keeper Russell Corin looks set to miss the campaign through injury, along with Andrew Daniels. Aviel Schwarz will take the gloves on Sunday, while Edward Davis and Allweis are expected to make their league debuts.

Lederman said: “Every season we keep picking up a couple of players and losing a couple.

“If we can get a stable seven or eight there’s no reason why we can’t have another strong season, with much expected from batsman Mark Landau for a tricky first season.”