THE West Lancashire League kicked off its 2016/17 campaign at the weekend with Longridge Town among the early season favourites to win the Premier Division title.

Town, managed by former Preston North End and Wigan player, Lee Ashcroft, finished in fourth place last term and they kicked off their campaign with a 6-3 win over Eagley at the Mike Riding Ground, with Alex Randell netting a hat-trick and Jordan Bowen scoring twice. Town had led 6-0 after 53 minutes.

Longridge had a busy but impressive pre-season build up to their campaign beating Bamber Bridge and Shevington FC by the same 3-2 scoreline, winning 3-0 against Kendal Town and drawing with both Holker Old Boys and last season’s Premier Division runners-up Charnock Richard who have since joined the Hallmark Security League.

Town are back in action again tomorrow night (WED) with another home game when they entertain local rivals Garstang (6.45pm ko).

Turton, who were promoted from Division One as champions, kicked off their top flight campaign with a 4-0 win over Hesketh Bank.

The Premier Division new boys travel to Eagley tonight (TUES).

Last season’s Premier League champions Blackpool Wren Rovers travelled to Vickerstown and two Gary Pett goals saw them win 2-1.

Hurst Green had a superb end to their Division One campaign last season to avoid a drop back in to Division Two.

The Ribble Valley side kicked off this season against a Poulton side who finished five places and 12 points ahead of the Ribble Valley outfit and they ran out 3-1 winners.

Mill Hill St Peters entertained Haslingden St Mary’s in an opening day East Lancashire derby and the visitors scored twice in the final eight minutes to claim a 3-1 win.

Hurst Green and Mill Hill St Peters are both in action tomorrow night (WED), Green go to Burscough Richmond while Mill Hill host Lytham Town.

In Division Two, Hurst Green Reserves get their campaign underway tonight at Euxton Villa Reserves, who were beaten 4-1 by Leyland United on the opening day.

In Division Three Paul Hooper scored five as Haslingden St Marys Reserves beat Lytham Town Reserves 8-1 and Mill Hill St Peters Reserves were 6-0 winners over Ladybridge Reserves.

Turton Reserves shared the points with a 1-1 draw at Hesketh Bank Reserves.

On Saturday, Longridge played their first away game of the season when they travel to Hesketh Bank while Turton have a tough test when they go to champions Blackpool Wren Rovers.

In Division One, Hurst Green will fancy their chances of winning on their travels when they go to a Dalton United side who finished bottom of the table last season.

Mill Hill St Peters go to last season’s Division Two champions CMB and Haslingden St Marys host newly-promoted Milnthope Corinthians.

In Division Two, Hurst Green Reserves are at home to Thornton Cleveleys Reserves.