FORMER Witton Albion striker Liam Watson has agreed to bring his Southport side to Wincham Park for a friendly before the start of next season.

A head-to-head with the National League North side, who appointed the 47-year-old as manager for a third time this month, is among the highlights of a busy summer scheduled arranged by the Northwich club.

Carl Macauley, Witton’s boss, returns to Vauxhall Motors – one of his former clubs – following Port’s visit.

Warm-up games against two teams from the North West Counties League’s top-flight, Northwich Victoria and City of Liverpool, follow next.

A date with Vics is part of a new ground-share agreement between the rivals from the start of next term.

Curzon Ashton, foes again for Southport in non-league’s second tier, are due in town before the end of July before back-to-back away games on successive Saturdays against Runcorn Linnets and Droylsden.

Albion head to Atherton Collieries in between before they begin another campaign in the Northern Premier League’s Premier Division on Saturday, August 18.

Provisional schedule

Jul 17 Southport (h)

Jul 21 Vauxhall Motors (a)

Jul 24 Northwich Victoria (h)

Jul 28 City of Liverpool (h)

Jul 31 Curzon Ashton (h)

Aug 04 Runcorn Linnets (a)

Aug 07 Atherton Collieries (a)

Aug 11 Droylsden (a)