MALVERN Town will face the likes of Gloucester City and Cheltenhan Town in their pre-season schedule as they build towards life at Step 4.

The Hillsiders beat Highworth Town 4-1 in the play-off match in April to secure their promotion to the Southern League South for just the second time in their history. 

They will join local rivals Evesham United in the same division, but before that, they have lined up a seven-game pre-season programme. 

It all starts on Tuesday July 4 when Matt Clarke's Redditch United visit the HDAnywhere Community Stadium, before National League North outfit Gloucester City come to town on Saturday July 8. 

The first away trip comes on Tuesday July 11 when we make the short journey to Worcester City, who are preparing for life in the Hellenic League Premier Division having found themselves at the wrong end of the Midland Football League Premier Division last term.

Malvern stay on the road again on Saturday July 15 when taking on Worcestershire Senior Cup champions Stourport Swifts, before Malvern are back at home for a clash with Birmingham Senior Cup holders and current Step 3 side Stourbridge.

Lee Hooper and Stephen Cleal's side then go to Brimscombe & Thrupp on Saturday July 29 and the pre-season campaign comes to an end with a game against Cheltenham Town back at home on August 1.