First Division North Opening Day Preview
Fri 2nd August 2019 | General | By David Brindle
Lower Breck face an interesting challenge when they host new NWCFL side Emley AFC on the opening day.
Gary Moore's team are considered one of the favourites for the division so this game could set a benchmark for what is to be expected from Emley.
Emley were transferred to the NWCFL from the Northern Counties East League and may pose a threat to teams in this league due to their relatively unknown capabilities.
Ashton Town welcome AFC Liverpool to the Scott Rees & Co Stadium hoping to improve on a ninth placed finish last season.
The visitors ended up third, missing out on promotion in 2018-19, and will be hoping for a similar finish to move up to the Premier Division.
READ MORE: AFC Liverpool name first honourary life member
Pilkington have their first NWCFL game at home when Cleator Moor Celtic travel south to the Arcoframe Stadium.
Cleator Moor finished 11th last season and will hope after having a season under their belt they can move up the table.
Another new NWCFL side are Golcar United and they also play at home on the opening day.
READ MORE: Golcar's inaugural season
Prestwich Heys are their opponents, and they're a team tipped to be challenging for promotion as well.
Last season's bottom side Atherton LR travel to Nelson with aspirations of avoiding the relegation zone as a minimum this season.
Andy Harrison's Nelson team finished 14th last season after relegation from the Premier Division the year prior.
Daisy Hill also finished in the relegation places last season, 19th, but were reprieved from the drop.
They host Bacup Borough on the opening day and Brent Peters side are aiming high this term.
READ MORE: Peters aiming for promotion
Holker Old Boys narrowly avoided the drop zone in 18th and they host an AFC Darwen side who play their first few games away due to ground improvements.
Garstang host Shelley with both teams in their second season in the NWCFL and hoping to further progress at this level.
AFC Blackpool were marred by vandalism before the season starts, but the Mechanics Ground is the venue for their clash against Steeton.
Steeton are also in their second season in the league and are another team with progression on the mind after appointing a new chairman.
READ MORE: Steeton appoint new chairman
Chadderton vs. St Helens Town sees the 16th and 17th placed teams face off at the ARK Fleetech on opening day.
Both these teams will be hoping for major improvements in their league campaigns.
First Division North Opening Day Preview
Fri 2nd August 2019 | General
By David Brindle
Lower Breck face an interesting challenge when they host new NWCFL side Emley AFC on the opening day.
Gary Moore's team are considered one of the favourites for the division so this game could set a benchmark for what is to be expected from Emley.
Emley were transferred to the NWCFL from the Northern Counties East League and may pose a threat to teams in this league due to their relatively unknown capabilities.
Ashton Town welcome AFC Liverpool to the Scott Rees & Co Stadium hoping to improve on a ninth placed finish last season.
The visitors ended up third, missing out on promotion in 2018-19, and will be hoping for a similar finish to move up to the Premier Division.
READ MORE: AFC Liverpool name first honourary life member
Pilkington have their first NWCFL game at home when Cleator Moor Celtic travel south to the Arcoframe Stadium.
Cleator Moor finished 11th last season and will hope after having a season under their belt they can move up the table.
Another new NWCFL side are Golcar United and they also play at home on the opening day.
READ MORE: Golcar's inaugural season
Prestwich Heys are their opponents, and they're a team tipped to be challenging for promotion as well.
Last season's bottom side Atherton LR travel to Nelson with aspirations of avoiding the relegation zone as a minimum this season.
Andy Harrison's Nelson team finished 14th last season after relegation from the Premier Division the year prior.
Daisy Hill also finished in the relegation places last season, 19th, but were reprieved from the drop.
They host Bacup Borough on the opening day and Brent Peters side are aiming high this term.
READ MORE: Peters aiming for promotion
Holker Old Boys narrowly avoided the drop zone in 18th and they host an AFC Darwen side who play their first few games away due to ground improvements.
Garstang host Shelley with both teams in their second season in the NWCFL and hoping to further progress at this level.
AFC Blackpool were marred by vandalism before the season starts, but the Mechanics Ground is the venue for their clash against Steeton.
Steeton are also in their second season in the league and are another team with progression on the mind after appointing a new chairman.
READ MORE: Steeton appoint new chairman
Chadderton vs. St Helens Town sees the 16th and 17th placed teams face off at the ARK Fleetech on opening day.
Both these teams will be hoping for major improvements in their league campaigns.
