Premier Division Opening Day Preview
Fri 2nd August 2019 | General | By David Brindle
Joe Doran’s Bootle look to bounce back from missing out on promotion on the final day of last season when they host Hanley Town.
The Bucks are yet to lose a league game in the 2019 calendar year, and Hanley will look to cause an upset by claiming the scalp of a promotion chasing side.
Hanley finished 17th last season – just four points above the relegation zone – and will be looking for big improvements starting in Sefton on Saturday.
READ MORE: Hanley boss looking to compete at top end of table
Two promoted sides from the First Division North face off on opening day when AVRO host Longridge Town.
Longridge won the division by two points last season, and AVRO were promoted via the points per game system.
Both sides won their home games when these two clashed in league action last season, so will that trend continue Saturday?
Rylands are the third promoted side in the Premier Division and they host Charnock Richard.
The First Division South holders have a difficult first task facing an established Premier Division side who finished 6th last season.
Paul McNally leads Skelmersdale United into the NWCFL after relegation last season and they will travel to Brocstedes Park to face Ashton Athletic.
Ashton finished 5th last season and will have an eye on promotion, while Skem will look to build confidence quick and improve the mood at the club after the drop.
READ MORE: McNally setting realistic targets for season.
Macron Cup holders 1874 Northwich will look to make amends for losing the Reusch Champions Cup final when they host Padiham.
Adam Morning and Michael Morrison’s side avoided relegation by three points last season. They will be hoping to get off to a good start on the opening day to steer clear of the bottom.
Barnoldswick Town vs. Congleton Town will be the opening day action at Silentnight Stadium.
Brian Pritchard’s team will look to replicate their third-place finish from last season at a minimum.
11th was where Barnoldswick ended up last season and they’ll hope to move up the table starting with a win against Congleton.
READ MORE: Barnes expecting competitve NWCFL
The teams who finished 7th and 8th last season will face off as Squires Gate travel to Runcorn Town.
Runcorn have made improvements including the return of Craig Cairns, and will be set on promotion.
Squires Gate won two of their pre-season games, but also suffered heavy losses to Bamber Bridge and a Blackpool XI.
Steve Wilkes’ Northwich Victoria will use the pain of losing in the FA Vase semi-final on penalties to push for promotion.
READ MORE: Wilkes still hurting
They’ll host Whitchurch Alport, who after securing 14th in their first season in the Premier Division, will surely be aiming higher this campaign.
Burscough welcome Winsford United to Victoria Park as two bottom half teams from last season clash on the opening day.
Nick Matthews has had to rebuild his squad since taking over in June, while Winsford’s Lee Duckworth is hoping to see progress this season.
The Ambitek Stadium will see Irlam face Litherland REMYCA.
Irlam boss Michael Dodd is hoping his side can take ‘the next step’ this season, while REMYCA are looking to consolidate again in the Premier Division according to manager Phil Stafford.
Premier Division Opening Day Preview
Fri 2nd August 2019 | General
By David Brindle
Joe Doran’s Bootle look to bounce back from missing out on promotion on the final day of last season when they host Hanley Town.
The Bucks are yet to lose a league game in the 2019 calendar year, and Hanley will look to cause an upset by claiming the scalp of a promotion chasing side.
Hanley finished 17th last season – just four points above the relegation zone – and will be looking for big improvements starting in Sefton on Saturday.
READ MORE: Hanley boss looking to compete at top end of table
Two promoted sides from the First Division North face off on opening day when AVRO host Longridge Town.
Longridge won the division by two points last season, and AVRO were promoted via the points per game system.
Both sides won their home games when these two clashed in league action last season, so will that trend continue Saturday?
Rylands are the third promoted side in the Premier Division and they host Charnock Richard.
The First Division South holders have a difficult first task facing an established Premier Division side who finished 6th last season.
Paul McNally leads Skelmersdale United into the NWCFL after relegation last season and they will travel to Brocstedes Park to face Ashton Athletic.
Ashton finished 5th last season and will have an eye on promotion, while Skem will look to build confidence quick and improve the mood at the club after the drop.
READ MORE: McNally setting realistic targets for season.
Macron Cup holders 1874 Northwich will look to make amends for losing the Reusch Champions Cup final when they host Padiham.
Adam Morning and Michael Morrison’s side avoided relegation by three points last season. They will be hoping to get off to a good start on the opening day to steer clear of the bottom.
Barnoldswick Town vs. Congleton Town will be the opening day action at Silentnight Stadium.
Brian Pritchard’s team will look to replicate their third-place finish from last season at a minimum.
11th was where Barnoldswick ended up last season and they’ll hope to move up the table starting with a win against Congleton.
READ MORE: Barnes expecting competitve NWCFL
The teams who finished 7th and 8th last season will face off as Squires Gate travel to Runcorn Town.
Runcorn have made improvements including the return of Craig Cairns, and will be set on promotion.
Squires Gate won two of their pre-season games, but also suffered heavy losses to Bamber Bridge and a Blackpool XI.
Steve Wilkes’ Northwich Victoria will use the pain of losing in the FA Vase semi-final on penalties to push for promotion.
READ MORE: Wilkes still hurting
They’ll host Whitchurch Alport, who after securing 14th in their first season in the Premier Division, will surely be aiming higher this campaign.
Burscough welcome Winsford United to Victoria Park as two bottom half teams from last season clash on the opening day.
Nick Matthews has had to rebuild his squad since taking over in June, while Winsford’s Lee Duckworth is hoping to see progress this season.
The Ambitek Stadium will see Irlam face Litherland REMYCA.
Irlam boss Michael Dodd is hoping his side can take ‘the next step’ this season, while REMYCA are looking to consolidate again in the Premier Division according to manager Phil Stafford.
