PADIHAM and Barnoldswick Town face off in an East Lancashire derby in the first week of the new Hallmark Security League Premier Division season.

The two teams meet at the Silentnight Stadium on Tuesday, August 7, with the reverse fixture taking place three days before Christmas.

Padiham open the season on Saturday, August 4 with a home game against Runcorn Town, while new boss Matt Barnes will watch his Barlick side begin their campaign at Charnock Richard on the same day.

After the festive derby it’s a trip to Ashton Athletic on Boxing Day for the Storks before a home fixture against 1874 Northwich three days later. There are no New Year’s Day games this season.

Barnoldswick are at Silsden on Boxing Day and then Northwich Victory three days later. Barlick end the season on Saturday, April 27 at home against Abbey Hey, while Padiham also finish at home, against Winsford United.

In the First Division North relegated AFC Darwen open their season against one of the league’s new boys, with a trip to Huddersfield-outfit Shelley on August 4. After a home game against AFC Blackpool they face a first derby of the season on Monday, August 20 when the Salmoners travel to Nelson.

AFC Darwen entertain Prestwich Heys on Boxing Day and then Brent Peters’ Bacup Borough on Saturday, December 29. They end the season at home to Ashton Town.

Nelson start the campaign at Chadderton before a home clash with Shelley on Monday, August 6. The Admirals are on the road twice over Christmas at Steeton on Boxing Day and Avro on December 29 before ending the season at home to St Helens Town.

Bacup Borough are on the road at Prestwich Heys on the opening day. The first home game is against Lower Breck while Peters’ side are at Shelley on Boxing Day. The final day of the season sees a trip to Atherton LR.

Meanwhile Nelson have signed Jake Townsend, James Wolfenden, Alex Grice, Mohammed Feroze, Kie Demaine, James Leech, Daniel Russell, Gaz Hill, Marcel Wusiewicz, Brett Doogan, Sam Dickinson, Mark Sharples, Jake Lloyd and Ash Brierley ahead of the new season in a mix of signings and players returning.