Season starts with derby duel

FOOTBALL: THERE’S a feast of football in the area tomorrow.

And while Athletic against Fleetwood will be the main attraction at SportsDirect.com Park, there is also a local derby as the FBT Manchester Football League gets under way.

Newly-promoted Uppermill take on Royton Town in a Premier Division clash at Oldham Academy North (3.15pm).

This is new territory for Uppermill, who are now playing at the highest level of football in their 91-year history. Club development manager Simon Tait is relishing the challenge: “It’s a step up for sure and it will be a big challenge,” he said. “but we will do as well as we can and hopefully catch a few teams by surprise.

Uppermill have met the standards required by teams in the Manchester League’s top-flight in terms of facilities, with a substantial grant from the Football Foundation enabling them to stay at their Churchill base.

Having finished fourth in each of the last two seasons, Town manager Mark Howard has strengthened his squad to go one or two places higher. A stand-out addition is former Athletic midfielder Mark Innes as first-team player-coach. Other signings include the free-scoring Alan Beckett, Grant Marshall and Arron Scholes, the 16-year-old son of Manchester United legend Paul.

Howard said: “We’ll certainly be in the mix again - and another good cup run would be nice.”

Joe Heap, Dominic Hallam. Nathan Eastmond and Kristian Ventress are the newcomers to the Springhead fold as manager Lee McAllister aims to start the season in similar fashion to the way the last campaign ended.

Springhead lost only once in their final 10 outings after a season that saw them at the wrong end of the table for long periods.

McAllister said: “We are looking to build on that finish and I am optimistic of a good season with the players we have brought in.”

Springhead’s campaign begins when Walshaw Sports visit Ashfield Crescent tomorrow (2pm).

Avro’s league season also starts tomorrow when they entertain Prestwich Heys at the Lancaster Club (2pm).

In Division One, Hollinwood kick off with a trip to Westbury Sports Club.