Northern Premier League West fixtures announced

Wythenshawe host Runcorn Linnets in a standout opening day fixture.

The NWCL Premier champions take on the Merseysiders who finished second last season.

Wythenshawe pipped near rivals Wythenshawe Town to the title on goal difference, though the latter gained promotion via the play-offs. Town start at Hanley Town.

Steve King’s Hednesford Town have been given a home opener against Vauxhall Motors. Hednesford were reprieved last season.

Stafford Rangers weren’t so lucky, experiencing relegation to Step 4. Their first game at this level for eight years is away to Stalybridge Celtic.

Atherton Collieries, relegated alongside Stafford, start at Avro, while promoted Congleton Town open at home to Trafford.

Beaten play-off finalists City of Liverpool travel to Witton Albion on day one, having finished above them on goal difference last season.

The division’s remaining opening day contests see Bootle host Nantwich Town, Clitheroe face Chasetown, Newcastle Town home to Mossley and Widnes welcoming Kidsgrove Athletic.

Opening day fixtures in full:

Avro vs Atherton Collieries
Bootle vs Nantwich Town
Clitheroe vs Chasetown
Congleton Town vs Trafford
Hanley Town vs Wythenshawe Town
Hednesford Town vs Vauxhall Motors
Newcastle Town vs Mossley
Stalybridge Celtic vs Stafford Rangers
Widnes vs Kidsgrove Athletic
Witton Albion vs City of Liverpool
Wythenshawe vs Runcorn Linnets