NORTHWICH will start a new season by playing opponents they beat twice during the previous campaign.

Martin Poste’s men, who finished third on their return North One West last time out, travel to Rochdale on the first Saturday in September.

A home date with neighbours Warrington follows seven days later.

They conclude the opening month with a trips Douglas, promoted from South Lancs/Cheshire Division One, and Burnage before they welcome Blackburn to Moss Farm.

Meetings with two more sides coming up from divisions below, Manchester and Carlisle, follow in October.

A trip to Wilmslow, who pushed Northwich for third last term until they lost a crucial double-header in March, is scheduled for November 11.

December throws up a testing schedule that includes relegated Stockport, seeking an instant return to the National League, and Vale of Lune – expected to mount a title challenge after classifying fifth.

A 14-strong section, from which West Park, Leigh and Eccles have dropped down a level, also includes Firwood Waterloo following their relegation.

Kirkby Lonsdale were promoted as champions, while Birkenhead Park beat Penrith 29-21 in a play-off last month to join the Cumbrians in National League Three North.

The campaign starts on Saturday, September 2.

To see Northwich's fixture list in full, click here: Calendar