Hall Road Rangers face a stern opening day fixture in this season's Northern Counties East League First Division.

Barton Town Old Boys are the first visitors to Dene Park.

With pre-season over and with his summer signings now bedded in, manager Steve Richards just wants to get on with things.

He knows that Town will be a hard team to break down and have a lot of local players themselves.

"Town manager Neil Buckley has publicly stated his side are going to challenge for the title having come up last season," said Richards.

"I don't really know much about them but they are a side who are stepping up a level in quality.

"But, we have made some good signings and would like to be there or thereabouts."

Richards is able to recall Shaun Baker, Dave Ingram and Jamie Barnwell to the squad from last week which drew 1-1 with Selby Town.

This will strengthen the side all over the park as Rangers go looking for a win.