Askam start life in the Third Division of the National Conference League with a home fixture with Oldham St Anne's.

The Fallowfield Park side are under the guidance of Gary Bolton and Dave Hellon as they get the campaign under way.

Bolton said: “We are near full strength with Jamie Butler out with a calf strain, along with Lee Alexander, who is unavailable. We are in the process of rebuilding with several of the old brigade no longer with us.

"We must have lost at least 10-12 players in the last 12 months, some to other clubs and other going professional.

"We have put our trust in two of the younger players to lead from the front in new skipper Joe Sattherthwaite and his vice-captain Kier Shepherd. Two young lads with old heads on their shoulders, they are both good talkers.”

The Villagers also have on board Josh Bayliss from Hindpool along with Ben and Josh Atkinson from Dalton. Tom Hopkins and Mark Tyson have joined Barrow Raiders, although the latter played some games at Egremont last year.

Bolton said: "We have plenty of pace in the backs, which showed in the recent BT game with Hindpool, and we have experience as well so we should go OK. We are hoping the pitch will be alright - we have kept off it and though we have dropped a division it won't be easy as there are some good teams around.”

Coming down with Askam from Division Two are East Leeds and Shaw Cross, while Batley Boys will be hoping for promotion in only their second stint in the Conference after several successful years in the Yorkshire Men's League.

Barrow Island and Walney will try once more in the Barton Townley after Rating Lane was unplayable last weekend, thanks to Storm Dennis.

Adam Jackson returns following trials with Rochdale while Jake Stockdale is unavailable along with Will Hadwin and Jonathan Walsh.

In the Walney camp, Stu Tippett and Matty Elliott boost the side after being unavailable last week with Fraser Livesey having other commitments.