New season start date confirmed

SHELLEY and Golcar United will begin their seasons on Saturday, October 3.

After the start of their campaigns was delayed, the North West Counties have now confirmed the date. Fixtures won’t, however, be released until the start of next month. With some clubs based in areas where local lockdowns still exist, the league say their fixtures can be postponed and played at a later date.

This season’s Macron Challenge Cup and First Division Cup, however, has been suspended, although it may be run in a different format later in the season.

But last season’s competition, which wasn’t completed due to the coronavirus lockdown, will be played out.

Which means Shelly face a semifinal over one leg at home to 1874 Northwich on September 5, with either AFC Liverpool or Runcorn Town awaiting in the final, which will be played on Saturday, September 26.

Shelley, who travel to Wythenshawe Ams in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on September 1 continued their preparations for the new campaign with a 2-2 draw against West Yorkshire Premier Division side Carlton Athletic on

Saturday.

Emley, who have rejoined the Northern Counties East League for this season, will begin their campaign on September 19 at home to Irlam in the FA Vase, by which stage it is hoped up to 300 fans can watch games at grounds.

Emley lost 4-1 at Worksop Town on Saturday while Golcar’s friendly was abandoned after a

Worsbrough Bridge player suffered a broken ankle.