DALTON kick-off their Pennine League Division One campaign with the visit of St Joseph's to Kelland Park on Saturday (2.30pm kick-off).

The Huddersfield side head across the Pennines to take on a team with former Barrow forward Lee Dutton once again at the helm.

The big prop forward will be pulling on his boots to lead a relatively young side around the park.

Dalton will have a nice blend of experience and youth, with several under-19s players pushing for a first-team shirt.

Dutton will be part of a strong set of forwards with Chris Reid and Jordan Herdman and they, along with Dan Laisby, will guide the youngsters in what will be a competitive division.

On board this season are Askam's Gary Bolton and Ulverston's young BARLA Great Britian international Tom Wilkinson, however Wilkinson and Ryan Baines sit this one out due to the new shift pattern at BAE.

Another young player missing out is the unlucky Jordan Woodend, who – after missing most of last season through a leg injury – is now sidelined with a broken wrist. Hopefully he will be back in action in three to four weeks.

Club spokesman Owen Richards said “We are looking for a big season.

“Lee Dutton wants to play regularly and that will be good news for the lads. He is very experienced and, with the likes of Herdman, Laisby and Reid, we have the right players to look after the younger players.

“There is no shortage of young lads who are after a first-team jersey, they are training hard and many will come into contention.

“The new shifts at BAE will do a lot of harm, as those on them could miss two or even three games on the trot, so ourselves and other teams around here are going to feel it. That is why we need a biggish squad and the younger lads could get plenty of game time.”

He added: “We don't know much about Joseph's, but they are coached by former Huddersfield player Marcus St Hillaire, so they could be a decent side.”