Telford reunion for Liam on opening day

SOUTHPORT will begin their Vanarama National League North campaign at manager Liam Watson’s former club AFC Telford.

Watson lifted the Vanarama North title with Telford during the 2013/14 season and returned for his third spell with Southport following the dismissal of Kevin Davies in April.

A bumper August kicks off the cam- paign, with the Sandgrounders featuring seven times in total.

Altrincham become the first side to visit the newly-refurbished main stand at Haig Avenue following the trip to Telford before Stockport County arrive a week later.

Chorley follow in the second away game of the season, with Matt Jansen’s men heading to the Merseyrail Community Stadium at the start of February. Recently relegated Chester - now managed by former Salford City co-bosses Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley - are the Boxing Day opponents at Southport, with the reverse fixture following just six days later.

Watson’s side finish the season at Blyth Spartans on April 27.

Southport are scheduled to enter the FA Cup at the second qualifying round, with Saturday 22nd September earmarked after the draw is made.

The club were also scheduled to face Bootle this weekend as part of their pre-season preparations, but the Hallmark Security Division side cancelled the game due to recent hot weather.

“Unfortunately due to this excep- tional weather the pitch has not progressed in a manner which is acceptable,” Bootle said in a statement on Twitter.

“Therefore, with regret, we have cancelled the friendly with Southport FC. Sorry to those who were looking forward to the game”.

Southport have since confirmed the game will not be rearranged and no new opponent will be scheduled for the now-vacant date. Watson will now take charge of his side for the first time on Tuesday as they face Radcliffe FC.