FOR Northwich Victoria, a road trip to Padiham to start life at a lower level following their relegation from the Northern Premier League last season.

Meanwhile the first guests at their new home, following a switch from Witton Albion to Barnton when they host opponents, are promoted City of Liverpool.

A home date with Abbey Hey and a trip to Runcorn Town complete a testing start to the campaign.

September brings with it a head-to-head with Bootle seven days after an old boys’ reunion with Stockport Town, managed by former boss Adam Lakeland’s assistant Dave Wild, in the FA Vase.

Meanwhile 1874 Northwich provide the opposition in a league game for the first time in October.

Runcorn Linnets, expected to challenge for the title, are among their opponents the following month.

December brings with it a return against 1874 before a meeting with landlords Barnton on Boxing Day.

The holiday period concludes with the return against Runcorn Town.

Vics must wait until March to play a derby fixture against Winsford United, with the second meeting not scheduled until April – after an Easter Monday clash with Barnton.

Paul Moore’s men, who will play home midweek games on a Tuesday night, then head to City of Liverpool for their final fixture in May.

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

August

12 Padiham (a)

15 City of Liverpool (h)

26 Abbey Hey (h)

30 Runcorn Town (a)

September

02 Burscough (h)

16 Bootle (h)

20 Hanley Town (a)

30 Maine Road (a)

October

03 1874 Northwich (h)

07 Widnes (h)

10 Ashton Athletic (a)

14 Irlam (a)

21 AFC Darwen (h)

28 Abbey Hey (a)

November

01 AFC Liverpool (a)

04 Padiham (h)

11 Barnoldswick Town (h)

14 Congleton Town (h)

18 Runcorn Linnets (a)

25 Charnock Richard (h)

28 West Didsbury & Chorlton (a)

December

02 1874 Northwich (a)

09 Burscough (a)

23 Hanley Town (h)

26 Barnton (a)

30 Runcorn Town (h)

January

06 AFC Darwen (a)

13 Barnoldswick Town (a)

20 Congleton Town (a)

27 AFC Liverpool (h)

February

03 Squires Gate (a)

10 Runcorn Linnets (h)

17 Bootle (a)

24 Ashton Athletic (h)

March

03 Winsford United (h)

10 Charnock Richard (a)

17 Maine Road (h)

24 Irlam (h)

April

02 Barnton (h)

07 Winsford United (a)

14 West Didsbury & Chorlton (h)

21 Widnes (a)

28 Squires Gate (h)

May

05 City of Liverpool (a)