Derby-day opener to new campaign

Mark Howard

FBT Manchester League by JOHN GILDER

THERE is a local derby on the opening day of the 2014-15 FBT Manchester League Premier Division season as Avro entertain Springhead at the Lancaster Club tomorrow (2pm).

Both clubs will be looking for significant improvement this time round — Avro finished last season in ninth place while Springhead were two places lower.

Royton Town manager Mark Howard is hopeful that his young side can equal or even better last term’s highly-creditable third-place finish.

Howard said: “It will be tough as all the teams in the top flight will have improved, but I hope we can match our efforts of last season or even go one or two steps further.

“In my opinion the Manchester League is as good as the North-West Counties League and I think some of the players who have played in both of those competitions realise that.”

Howard has added Jeffrey Ho, Gareth Hill and Jordan Schofield to his squad.

First Division action sees Uppermill, Hollinwood and Chadderton reserves starting with away games at Breightmet United, Heywood St James and Pennington respectively.

In the Premier Division of the Lancashire Amateur League, Failsworth Dynamos go to Horwich Victoria, while in Division One Chaddertonians entertain Blackrod Town at Hopwood Hall (2.30pm) and Oldham Hulmeians host Wardle at Tate Street (2.30pm).

The Lancashire and Cheshire League starts on Saturday, August 23, and the Huddersfield and District League a week later.

The Oldham Sunday League’s first full programme of fixtures commence early next month.