Match of the Day

1874 Northwich v City of Liverpool (at Winsford United FC, ko 3pm)

Most observers agree that these two teams will be among the contenders to win the North West Counties League’s Premier Division title this season.

That they get a close look at each other on the opening afternoon is intriguing.

The Purps took four points off 1874 Northwich from two meetings last season, and can make a case for having the most formidable attack after signing Jamie McDonald this week and recruiting Craig Cairns from Runcorn Town earlier this summer.

Mind you, the visitors’ defence may need a plan to stop Scott McGowan and Matthew Beadle.

It’s an important afternoon for…

Barnton

The Villagers have had a positive pre-season under new manager James McShane, and will want to take that momentum into the first game against North West Counties League newcomers St Martins.

They are also desperate to savour a winning feeling more often after taking maximum points on only four occasions last season before being relegated.

Chris Smith is back at Townfield to lead their attack, a move that promises goals.

And what about…

Cuddington v St Helens Town res (ko 3pm)

A side seeking to improve on finishing 13th in Cheshire League Two last season can feel optimistic after coming through four pre-season friendlies without defeat.

They have scored 18 goals in that time too.

Manager Gareth Harwood will be conscious his side had a wretched record at Norley Road last term, losing 10 of their 14 league games there.

Changing that statistic is close to the top of a list of priorities for the forthcoming campaign.

Why not go and give your local side a cheer?

Here’s a full list of fixtures from the respective competitions our teams play in:

North West Counties League (3pm unless stated)

Premier Division: 1874 Northwich v City of Liverpool (at Winsford United FC); Abbey Hey v Winsford United; Bootle v Irlam; Burscough v Hanley Town; Charnock Richard v Barnoldswick Town; Congleton Town v Litherland REMYCA; Padiham v Runcorn Town; Silsden v Squires Gate; West Didsbury & Chorlton v Northwich Victoria; Whitchurch Alport v Ashton Athletic.

First Division South: Barnton v St Martins; Cammell Laird v Stone Old Alleynians; Cheadle Heath Nomads v Stockport Town; Cheadle Town v Wythenshawe Amateurs; Ellesmere Rangers v Rylands; FC Oswestry Town v Sandbach United; Maine Road v Eccleshall; New Mills v Vauxhall Motors; Stone Dominoes v Abbey Hulton United; Wythenshawe Town v Alsager Town.

Cheshire League (3pm unless stated)

Premier Division: Altrincham res v Congleton Vale (at Egerton FC); Daten v Egerton; Denton Town v Greenalls PSO; FC St Helens v Malpas; Knutsford v Eagle Sports; Pilkington v Crewe; Poynton v Billinge; Whaley Bridge v Middlewich Town.

League One: Blacon v Orford; Ford Motors v Moore United; Garswood United v Golborne Sports; Halebank v Grappenhall Sports; Mersey Valley v Lostock Gralam; Windle Labour v Broadheath Central.

League Two: Ashton Town res v Club AZ (2pm); Ashton Ath res v Wythenshawe Town Development; Cuddington v St Helens Town res; Holmes Chapel v Maine Road res; Rylands res v Cheadle Heath Nomads res; Sandbach United res v Cheadle Town res.

Reserves Division: Billinge v Vulcan; Broadheath Central v Winstanley Warriors; Eagle Sports v Pilkington; Golborne Sports v Poynton; Greenalls PSO v Daten; Middlewich Town v FC St Helens.