Darwen FC will host a Rovers XI tonight as part of their pre-season preparations.

The Rovers side will be made up of Academy prospects who haven’t travelled with the first-team squad to Portugal.

With coach Mike Sheron having travelled with the first-team squad, Mark Burton, appointed as Under-23s assistant manager this summer, is set to lead the side.

The Salmoners kicked off their pre-season fixtures with a 3-0 defeat to Longridge at the weekend.

That comes as Kenny Langford’s side build up for their North West Counties First Division North season after finishing 17th in 2021/22.

It will be a new dawn for the Salmoners who will be known as Darwen FC for the first time in 13 years.

Rovers’ Academy side also face a name change and will be known as the Under-21s again next season following a Premier League rule change.

Their other pre-season fixtures will see them face Workington AFC on Saturday, July 2 and then Lancaster City on Friday, July 8.

Felix Goddard, Pat Gamble, George Pratt and Harrison Wood could all feature for Rovers after signing their first professional deals with the club, while Zak Gilsenan could also play having recovered from a long-term injury.

Tickets for the game with Rovers at the WEC Anchor Ground are priced at £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for children.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

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