PENDLE Forest go into the new season boasting a 74-match unbeaten run that stretches back to January 2015.

But captain Dani Hornby feels they will have their work cut out to hit 75, as they prepare for life at a higher level.

The success story of Pendle Forest, who were named women’s team of the year at the prestigious England Hockey Awards, means they will be starting next term in the North Hockey Women’s League Premier Division.

And Hornby admits they have been handed a baptism of fire, with their opening games against a club relegated from the National League followed by a meeting with the runners up in their new league.

“It’s going to be tough,” said the skipper.

“We’ve got Liverpool Sefton away in our opening game and we’re at home to Whitley Bay in the second game.

“There have been a few relegations from the National League and Liverpool Sefton are one of them, so not only is it a step up anyway but we will be playing some teams from the top division, which has made the challenge harder.

“The second game is against Whitley Bay, who finished second in our new league, and our third game is against Doncaster, who were third.

“It’s a really difficult opening and I would love it if we can make it 75 games unbeaten. When you look at 100 it’s three quarters of the way there and it would amazing!

“If it was any other team than one that had just come down from the National league then I would be hopeful.

“But realistically it’s going to be tough and I’m expecting us to have not many points after the first three games.

“That’s not something we’ve talked about with the players,” added Hornby, whose husband, Scott, is head coach.

“The players know it’s going to be tough. But I feel now we are in a league that is definitely going to challenge us and that’s good.

“We are going to have to train harder, play faster and just generally work harder to be fitter.”

Pendle Forest intend to compete, but an impending league restructure by England Hockey means there is not the threat of relegation.

“If we finish in the top four we would get promoted to the National League, but at the other end there are no relegations because of the way it works out,” Hornby explained.

“So at least we can play without the fear of being relegated.

“But I guess our hope is to come in the top six.

“Those first three games will be a barometer of where we are though.

“The challenge at the start of the season will be to stay positive if results don’t go our way.

“But that first game in particular will be a real indicator of just how close we are to that standard.

“If we come away with a draw or even a 1-0 loss that would be a win in my eyes.”

Pendle Forest begin pre-season training next Tuesday (August 21) at Marsden Heights Community College, 7pm-8pm.