IAN Street will hope his team can continue where they left off last season when they kick off their next North West Counties League campaign.

1874 Northwich, who lost only one of their final dozen fixtures last term, start the new season at home to Squires Gate.

In a tricky-looking opening, they will then play back-to-back matches against promoted pair Cammell Laird and Atherton Collieries.

An FA Cup bow against Premier Division rivals West Didsbury & Chorlton completes the first fortnight.

1874, who finished third at the end of their debut campaign in the league’s top flight, host Alsager and visit Abbey Hey before the end of August.

Head-to-heads with Runcorn Linnets, runners-up last season, and Ashton Athletic – who finished fifth – follow at the start of September.

A Boxing Day derby against landlords Winsford United, with the return scheduled for Easter Monday, is likely to attract a bumper crowd on both occasions.

More than 1,000 supporters watched last season’s encounters, when the rivals recorded a win apiece.

1874 will host opponents for a third successive year at Blues’ Barton Stadium home after taking up the option on an initial ground-share agreement signed early in 2013.

Should they remain in a race for promotion by next April, then a challenging run-in awaits.

A return against Linnets is in the diary for the season’s penultimate weekend, while relegated Padiham, Nelson, AFC Liverpool and Colne – who finished fourth behind 1874 last season – are their other opponents that month.

To see 1874 Northwich’s fixture list in full, click here: http://bit.ly/1l5ptF8