ST HELENS Town will kick off the new NWCL season on August 16 as the only ever present in the league's top flight.

The competition was born in 1982 when the old Cheshire County League and Lancashire Combination merged.

On Saturday the league held its annual meeting and presentation evening at the Prince of Wales Hotel on Southport's Lord Street when the constitution for season 1997-98 was formalised.

Twenty two clubs will comprise Division One, while 21 will make up the second division.

Saying good bye to the league are three clubs from last seasons Division One, namely champions Trafford who are promoted to the Northern Premier League, but leaving in less buoyant circumstances are Penrith and Eastwood Hanley.

The Cumbrians have been transferred by the FA across into the Northern League to maintain a geographical balance in the feeder system.

Completing the trio were Potteries outfit Eastwood Hanley who, after three years of ground sharing, have failed to acquire a new ground and have had to disband.

One other departure from Division One though not from the league itself, are Bootle who have been demoted to the second division after a recent visit from the ground grading inspectorate who were not satisfied that facilities met Division One criteria. The four vacancies are filled by Atherton LR and Warrington Town, relegated from the Northern Premier League while promoted Haslingden and Ramsbottom United make up the quartet.

Bottom two Salford City and Darwen were reprieved from relegation due to the extra vacancies created.

Two new clubs were accepted into division two namely Woodley Sports, of Stockport, and Fleetwood Wanderers who having previously been 'Town' and simply Fleetwood.

The draw for the NWCL Challenge Cup was made and Town will await the outcome of the Daisy Hill v Skelmersdale United tie before travelling to the victors.

And former St Helens Combination referee John Cowley was voted on to the league's executive body.

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