Match Preview

Farsley Celtic get the new season underway with a trip across the Pennines to Warrington Town.

Both sides were defeated in last season's play-off semi-finals, however in the regular season Warrington did the double over the Celts, winning 4-2 at Cantilever Park and 2-0 at Throstle Nest.

Farsley head into the game following four consecutive wins in pre-season, which contained six wins and three defeats. Those four-straight wins have come against Thackley (7-1), Colne (5-0), Trafford (3-0) and Clitheroe (3-1).

Luke Parkin is expected to miss out on Saturday following an injury picked up in pre-season, however Ed Hall, Jack Higgins, Will Hayhurst, Jamie Spencer and Matthias Britton could all be involved and could make their Farsley debuts.

Will Hayhurst and Jack Higgins are set to face their former club, after spending the 2017/18 campaign as key members of Paul Carden's squad at Cantilever Park.

Ahead of the game Farsley Manager Adam Lakeland commented, "It's a tough first game, they've had quite a lot of change this summer, they've lost a good half-dozen key players and they'll be a different looking Warrington side.

"They'll still be a good side, they'll still be one of the clubs that'll be up there at the end of the season challenging I have no doubt, so it's a very difficult start for us."

Warrington Town have a different looking squad heading into the new season, but Paul Carden and his side are still expected to challenge for promotion.

The Wire had a mixed pre-season, with three wins, two defeats and two draws, their victories coming against Runcorn Town (4-1), Clitheroe (3-1) and Trafford (2-1).

A familiar face could also line-up for Warrington, as Lewis Nightingale made the move from Bamber Bridge in the summer, the midfielder a pivotal member of Farsley's 2016/17 promotion squad.

Other new faces for Warrington include former Liverpool Academy player Jack Dunn, Luke George, James Caton, and Richard Brodie.

The game takes place on Saturday at the Winner Recruitment Stadium, postcode WA4 2RS. Kick-off is 3pm and admission prices are £10 adults, £6 concessions and £2 U16s. Remember, the Celts are at home on Tuesday as South Shields are the visitors.