THE wait is over.

Barnton begin a second season in the North West Counties League Premier Division by acting as hosts for promoted Charnock Richard.

Steve Lloyd’s side, who secured their top-flight status comfortably last time out, then make a short trip to 1874 Northwich before closing out August with a trip to AFC Liverpool and a home date with Congleton.

September brings with it a first visit to City of Liverpool before back-to-back games at Townfield Lane against West Didsbury and then Padiham.

The Villagers are scheduled to welcome back former chairman Ian Ross, now in the same role at Widnes, in mid-October.

A return game against 1874 Northwich kicks off November, which also includes a first meeting of term with neighbours Winsford United.

Their tenants, Northwich Victoria, provide the opposition on Boxing Day.

A testing December also includes head-to-heads with likely promotion-contenders City of Liverpool, Bootle and Runcorn Linnets.

As it stands, Barnton must wait until Saturday, January 13 to play a first league fixture of 2018 when Maine Road visit.

February brings with it dates with both Runcorn sides before Winsford travel across mid Cheshire in March.

Vics again provide the opposition on Easter Monday, while a visit from AFC Darwen will bring down the curtain on the season in early May.

Barnton will once more play midweek home games on Wednesday.

Here is their Premier Division fixture list for 2017-2018 in full:

August

12 Charnock Richard (h)

15 1874 Northwich (a)

26 AFC Liverpool (a)

30 Congleton Town (h)

September

02 Ashton Athletic (a)

16 City of Liverpool (a)

20 West Didsbury & Chorlton (h)

30 Padiham (h)

October

03 Bootle (a)

07 Irlam (a)

11 Widnes (h)

14 Barnoldswick (h)

21 Hanley (a)

28 Runcorn Town (h)

November

01 1874 Northwich (h)

04 Maine Road (a)

11 Padiham (a)

14 West Didsbury & Chorlton (a)

18 Burscough (h)

25 Abbey Hey (a)

27 Winsford United (a)

December

02 City of Liverpool (h)

09 Squires Gate (a)

16 Bootle (h)

23 Runcorn Linnets (a)

26 Northwich Victoria (h)

30 Congleton Town (a)

January

13 Maine Road (h)

20 Squires Gate (h)

27 Charnock Richard (a)

February

03 Runcorn Linnets (h)

10 Widnes (a)

17 Irlam (h)

24 Runcorn Town (a)

March

10 Winsford United (h)

24 AFC Darwen (a)

31 Abbey Hey (h)

April

02 Northwich Victoria (a)

07 Ashton Athletic (h)

14 Burscough (a)

21 AFC Liverpool (h)

28 Barnoldswick Town (a)

May

05 AFC Darwen (h)