STEVE Tilson has set his C&K Basildon Ladies side a target of finishing in the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division top six for a second year in a row.

The former Southend United manager is also aiming for a fourth Essex County Cup win in five years.

C&K Basildon get their campaign underway with a home clash against Chichester City on Sunday.

And Tilson admits that it will be difficult to beat the achievements of last season.

Tilson said: “We ended up finishing sixth last season and if we could emulate that, we will do very well.

“We have lost a few players through retirement, which has been difficult.

“Lewes have matched the £2,000 budget that their men’s team has got, which is incredible, so there are teams in our league that are paying good money and will expect to be up there come the end of the season.

“If we can get anywhere near where we were last year, I will be happy.

“I would like to win the Essex County Cup again, as well.”

Tilson and his coaching staff have been putting the ladies through their paces in pre-season.

But their preparations for the new campaign ended with a 25-0 win over Haringey on Sunday.

And although the rout did not necessarily give a clear indication of his side’s fitness heading into the new season, Tilson admitted that he was pleased with how pre-season has played out.

The Southend United legend added: “Haringey got promoted to the division below us last season and it was a mismatch really.

“It wasn’t a fantastic game for either side in terms of seeing where the players are at.

“It was a good workout for the players but we didn’t learn much about us.

“But we play Chichester City on Sunday.

“They lost 2-1 to Watford, who play in the league above us, last week so we know that there will be no easy games for us this season.

“After playing Chichester City, we then go to Lewes the following week.

“It would be great to go there having picked up three points in our first game of the season.”

The likes of Stacey Little, who retired at the end of last term, have departed the club.

But Tilson has brought in some reinforcements and he is pleased with the new signings.

“Ellie Manning has come in at right back and she has experience,” admitted Tilson.

“She has played for Millwall, so she has played at a good level.

“April Bowers has come in and she was at Gillingham last year.

“They won promotion last season so she comes here after enjoying a very successful campaign.

“We have also signed someone from Lewes after she moved and now works this way.

“The squad is looking good at the moment.”