CHORLEY kick off their bid to return to the UniBond Premier Division against North Ferriby United -- but are looking forward to the clash with newly promoted local rivals Rossendale United more.
Dale were crowned champions of the North West Counties Division One last season and return to the UniBond League following a 12 year absence -- they begin their campaign at Matlock Town on Saturday, August 18.
"The fact we now have Rossendale in the league adds the excitement of a local derby," said Magpies boss Ken Wright, who is keen to get his side back into the UniBond top flight after they were relegated in 1999.
"Rossendale had an excellent season last time out and had a good run in. If the manager keeps his players they will be a forced to be reckoned with."
The two sides will clash at Victory Park on October 16 and then at Dark Lane in a Christmas showdown on December 29.
Meanwhile, Wright is hoping his own side will show their true colours after they finished tenth last season -- a position the Chorley boss wasn't overly impressed with.
"We under achieved and now I'm looking forward to putting it right this season," he said.
There is a new format in the UniBond League with a play-off system where the top two in the First Division will go up and the sides which finish third, fourth and fifth will play-off against the team which finishes third-from-bottom in the Premier Division.
"It means there's all to play for right until the end and we hope to be involved," continued Wright, who knows there will be a mad scramble for the top five places.
"I guess the teams that were knocking on the door last season, like Ashton, who have been spending money, and the ones that came down will be strong.
"But saying that, it is not bad having North Ferriby as our first game as we took six points off them last season.
"But we have just got to take it in our stride."
Chorley have so far only added former Leigh striker Andy Mason to their squad, a 26-year-old who was on loan at Victory Park for a short spell last season.
It looks like Simon Kay will miss the start as he has had a recurrence of a back injury while Michael Wallace, after suffering stomach problems last season, will hope to get some of his match fitness back during pre season.
Rossendale haven't yet signed any new faces although boss Jim McCluskie has been bidding to strengthen his squad while also keeping his successful side together from last season.
There first home game will be against Gretna on Tuesday August 21 while Chorley travel to Workington on that Tuesday night. OPENING GAMES
Saturday 18th August
First Division
Chorley V North Ferriby United
Matlock Town V Rossendale United
Tuesday 21st August
First Division
Rossendale United V Gretna
Workington V Chorley
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