LONGRIDGE Town will kick off their defence of the West Lancashire League Premier Division title with a home game against Tempest United on Saturday.

The champions, who dramatically won 1-0 at title rivals Blackpool Wren Rovers on the final day of last season, will then travel to Slyne and Hest on the Tuesday evening.

Lee Ashcroft’s side are on the road again the following weekend against Thorton Cleveleys before an early return date against Slyne and Hest on Wednesday, August 16.

Newly-promoted Haslingden St Mary’s, who won the Division One title last season, begin life in the top flight with a tough home game against Garstang who finished their campaign in fourth place.

The Saints then make the relatively short trips to Turton on Tuesday, August 8, and Euxton Villa on Saturday, August 12, before hosting Turton on Tuesday, August 15.

In Division One, Hurst Green, who just missed out on promotion, are on the road for their opening two games of the season where they will face new opposition.

On Saturday, they travel to new boys Wyre Villa before going to take on last season’s Division Two champions Fulwood Amateurs Reserves on Tuesday.

And it will be another new encounter for the Ribble Valley side whose first home game on Saturday, August 12 will be against Crookland Casuals who were relegated from the Premier Division.

Padiham Reserves are also new to the league and they begin their Division Two campaign at Tempest United Reserves who were Division Three champions last season.

The Storks’ second string’s first home game will be against Lostock St Gerards at The Arbories on Monday, August 7.

Last season’s Division Three has been replaced by a Reserve Division and includes teams from Longridge, Hurst Green and Mill Hill St Peters Reserves who host Haslingden St Marys Reserves on Saturday