PROMOTION is the aim as Lancaster City bid to better their best season ever.

The Dolly Blues face their first competitive game this Friday when, as a reward for a fine victory in the Unibond League Cup, they take on league champions Leigh RMI at Hilton Park.

League action returns on Tuesday, August 22 when newly promoted Burscough visit Giant Axe.

Tony Hesketh's side ended several years of relative mediocrity last term by storming to the top of the table early in the season, before levelling out to finish in a best ever sixth place.

And boss Hesketh says he hopes to challenge again this season, as well as building for the future.

"The club is developing off the pitch," he said: "Hopefully that will help us to build a team which can win the league and survive in the conference. We're geared up for success."

A relatively quiet summer has given City the stability they need for another strong season this time round.

The big question mark hanging over the city side concerns the goalkeeping position.

A stalwart between the sticks through most of the 90s, Mark Thornley, has controversially moved on to rivals Barrow, and a move for Morecambe's Steve McIlhargey is still not resolved, leaving the inexperienced Cyril Sharrock as first choice.

Defensive rock Jamie Udall moved to newly promoted Leigh, but the back four of Paul Sparrow, player of the year Jimmy Graham, experienced skipper Phil Horner and Farrel Kilbane looks solid, with young Glenn Johnstone also emerging.

The middle of the park has been bolstered recently with the signing of Brian Butler.

Butler, who captained Leigh to promotion last term, has been a major force in non-league football for several years, and will play an important role in developing a championship challenge.

He will be ably supported with a mixture of youth and experience. Skilful veteran Dean Martin and former Preston midfielder John Fowler will be joined by the emerging Lee Clitheroe, Paul Haddow and Shane Jessop while Kenny Mayers is recovering from injury.

Much of the pre-season attention has focused on goalscoring wonderkid Chris Ward. The Fulwood based prospect has attracted premiership scouts to Giant Axe but, so far at least, he seems likely to start the season with the Dolly Blues.

The return of Neil Morton will be much welcomed by the City followers.

The record signing from Morecambe struggled with injury in his first term at Lancaster, but he has finally shaken off his fitness problems. He may well be a key man as the season commences.

Kevin Barnes provided capable support up front for much of last season, and he may even be put to use in a wide role this time out as competition for striking spots hots up.

But competition will be tough.

Relegated Altrincham, one of the giants of non-league football in the 80s, have come down and more clubs than ever before are showing conference ambitions.

Hesketh added: "With Altrincham coming down, it has the look of a strong division.

"A lot of sides are developing their grounds and looking for Conference football."

Next week -- a look at Morecambe, as the Shrimps prepare for life after Justin Jackson