BILLERICAY Town striker Adam Cunnington says he is enjoying the competition at the top end of the pitch as pre-season preparations continue.

The 29-year-old was a key player for Town last year, scoring eight goals after linking up with the club from Bromley.

He is now undergoing his first pre-season with the Isthmian Premier League club and says he is enjoying the rigorous training schedule - led by coaches Harry Wheeler and Neil Grove - ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Bishop’s Stortford.

“It has been good,” said Cunnington.

“Pre-season is the hardest time and you need to get your fitness back to peak levels at this point.

“We are doing bits with the ball and a lot of strength work as well. Combined with a lot of game time then things are moving in a positive direction.

“The level of training is really intense,” he added.

“We are doing three evening sessions a week and it is as close to full-time as you can get, plus we have a game at the weekends as well.

“We don’t have to cram everything into two sessions which is important and things are going well.

“All friendlies are good exercises and the main thing is fitness and also gelling as a group. We have some new additions and it will take time, but last week was a promising start.”

Town defeated National League South side St Albans City 3-2, with new strike duo Louie Theophanous and Charlie Cole on target.

And Cunnington says he is looking forward to the competition, having played with Billy Bricknell and Jake Robinson for much of last term.

“They are great guys and I am enjoying working with them,” he said.

“Bill and I did well last year. We have the wide boys and strikers and we have such talented option in front areas.

“There we have good options in wide positions too so there are some decisions to be made as everyone wants a shirt.

“But we are confident that, whatever system we play, we will make it work.

“We are all good mates and are helping each other and I hope that will help us get the best out of each other.”