TWELVE months ago, the hype was all about Salford City. Expected to steamroller the division, they were promoted through the play-offs.

This time around, and Craig Hignett feels the National League is a much more balanced competition.

His Hartlepool United side start at home to Sutton this afternoon. Not since 2015 and a win over Morecambe have Pools won on the opening day, before that it was back in 2008 when they beat Colchester at Victoria Park.

Hignett is confident his summer recruitment will pay off and his side are well prepared to make inroads on the top seven in the table.

“Preparation has gone well, and the squad is now strong enough to cope with injuries. We think we know how they will play under a new manager, a tough test for us.

“It won’t be smooth all the time, but we want a good start and play how we have pre-season. We have good quality and are getting a consistency in performances as well. We need to be more ruthless in front of goal.’’

He added: “I think the usual suspects will be up there. Solihull were very strong last season and have added to their squad with more height and strength.

“They will be a handful – Fylde, Wrexham, Chesterfield will be up there, Bromley have a decent squad after spending money. The league is so tight and you need a good start and some momentum.

“It’s about consistency, if I can get seven out of 10 every week then I know we will be OK. I’ve players in attack who should not be playing at this level, they should be higher.

“I’m always a confident person and I know how I wanted things to look. We are stronger, quicker, more legs, with ball winners – a really good mix and it’s how you use it. I think I can play a team to suit.’’

Pools have options across the squad after making eight signings. Some will start today, including the imposing figure of Gus Mafuta in midfield.

He played for Salford in the final game of last season at Pools and after improving form at Victoria Park last season, Hignett wants to carry it on after years of misery on home turf.

He said: “A home game to start off with gives us a chance to carry on the good home form from last season.

“The home crowd have been great, really positive. The fans have been amazing in selling over 3,000 season tickets and we all hope for a good season together.

“We have to carry that form on at home. Home form has to be good, we showed last season what we can do and make it a tough place to come.

“I think teams have enjoyed coming here – the pitch and the type of club we are we are seen as a bit of a scalp, but we have learned to cope with it better.

“The crowd have been right behind the team and it’s been positive which we need to carry on.’’