Brighton hope to shed their nearly-men tag this season and finally win promotion from the

Kent/Sussex Regional League.

In the two seasons since going up from division one, Brighton have challenged for the title but have ultimately fallen short.

Two years ago they finished third, an amazing 18 points clear of the rest of the pack, and last year narrowly missed out in a season-long battle for the title with Holcombe.

To cap matters, they lost in the final of the Sussex Cup to Chichester.

Skipper Carlo Missirian, whose side open the new season at home to Folkestone tomorrow, said: "We have aspirations to challenge for the title. Our team is no weaker than last year so we should be there or thereabouts.

"If we can keep the squad fresh and injury-free we will be.

"We are aiming for promotion. It is the same as last year and last year we nearly did it.

"The only disappointing thing is only one goes up still and we don't know whether there is a play-off (for the team finishing second)."

South African Craig Carolan has joined Brighton's coaching staff and the former Hampstead and Westminster forward will play as well. All of last season's squad have been retained.

Mid Sussex, having avoided relegation by one place last year, have signed Stuart McConachie from Lewes, BJ Ranger from Chichester and Russell Wrist.