Brighton step into new territory tomorrow with ambitions of securing a second successive promotion.

The Kent/Sussex Regional League champions open their South Premier League division two campaign at home to PHC Chiswick and skipper Carlo Missirian insists consolidation is not on the agenda.

He said: "We want to push for promotion again. We have trained as hard as we have done for the last four years and we have a nice balance in the side with seven or eight aged under 25 and a few experienced heads. We are taking nothing for granted but we are focusing on the league and getting promoted."

There have been a number of changes in the summer with experienced quartet Paul Watson, Richard Cook, Graham Pruce and Pete Smales deciding to step down to play 3rd XI hockey.

Missirian said: "Between them they have given nearly 50 years to the club in the first team.

"They were there when we went down and rebuilt four years ago and, although they will not be playing in this league, without their commitment we would not have got to where we are now.

"They have laid the foundations for the next generation to build on."

The next generation includes Sam Rose and Kenny Rogers, Dorothy Stringer School old boys who have progressed through the youth set-up at the club.

New signings are striker Mike Botha and defender Seb Jones, who have both previously played for Caterham College.

Former Canterbury and Southgate forward Pietro Attala, who joined Brighton towards the end of last season, has also committed himself to the club.

Missirian said: "Pietro is like a new player. He has played at the top level for years and could have gone to any club in the south. He came here for half a season to try it out and and he is enjoying his hockey more than ever. He is a quality player who can unlock defences."

In division one, Chichester are putting the emphasis on youth this season. Youngsters Jack Lerwell and Ralph Veltom will figure after breaking into the first team last year.

New faces include Richard Blakesley from Horsham, Dave Foster, Mark Richmond and Mark Humphries, who has returned to the club from Mid Sussex.

Andy Barnes is back as coach, replacing Neil Pendle who will concentrate on playing, while Sam Beere has taken over as captain.

Ollie Lane-Smith, Richard Juniper and Andrew Savory have stepped down to run the seconds, while Peter Turner has moved to Guildford and Brian Lock has gone to Worthing.

In the Kent/Sussex Regional League, Worthing have new joint captains in John Massie and Mark Duncan. They have replaced David Edmondson. Brian Lock has signed from Chi and Brian Coult, who joined late last year, will be in the first team squad.

Horsham have re-signed striker Ian Brown from Crowborough and Matt Ahmed has also returned to the club. However, Blakesley has gone to Chi and Andy Crossley to Mid Sussex, while Andy Hartley will leave at Christmas as he is moving to Derby. Richard Lowe remains as skipper.

In Kent/Sussex division one, Flo Pietzsch has taken over as captain at Eastbourne.

South Saxons have signed former Scotland under-21 player Matt Young.

Sussex Open League champions Southwick begin away to Marden Russets tomorrow.