Football: Dabbers aim for flying start
The promoted Dabbers missed out on the start of the season last Saturday because their relaid pitch is not quite ready for play. Instead, the players took part in a full-scale practice match and assistant manager Peter Hall said: "We can't wait to get started."
Nantwich have selected 17 players from a big squad and Hall said: "Nobody wants to leave. Everyone will get their chance so, for those not in the side, it is a case of sticking with it and taking their opportunity when it comes along."
Nantwich have allowed young striker Ryan Greene, formerly with Port Vale and Rotherham, to join Congleton. Hall said: "It will do him good because he is not quite ready for us."
Missing from the Nantwich squad are strikers Dave Whittaker, who continues to recover from a nasty pre-season injury affecting his liver and kidneys, and Alan Nagington (hamstring).
LEEK Town expect new skipper Nick Ward to have recovered from a head injury for their opening home game against Belper Town in UniBond Division One South.
Ward was forced off during the first half of last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Quorn suffering from mild concussion, as well as a cracked tooth.
But manager Wayne Johnson is confident he will be fit.
Leek, who will sport their new strip of blue and white halves, are likely to keep to an unchanged squad after bringing home a point, while Belper were beating Loughborough Dynamo with two late goals.
KIDSGROVE travel to league newcomers Willenhall on the back of an encouraging home performance at the weekend.
Grove did well in grabbing a late goal to draw 3-3 with Goole, but manager Peter Ward may be tempted to find a place for defenders Charlie Reeves and Mitch Shenton. Striker Jimmy McCarthy remains suspended.
IN the Vodkat NWCL Premier Division, ALSAGER TOWN go in search of their first win at home to Maine Road and it is the same for BIDDULPH VICS, who meet Shifnal at Tunstall Road in the Midland Alliance.
Vics have signed goalkeeper Matt Sargeant, from Chasetown, and borrowed Simon and Carl Everall, from Kidsgrove. Two other newcomers are in the pipeline with Vics interested in Neil Edwards and Will Brown, from Leek Town.
ROCESTER are at home to Oadby, while CONGLETON TOWN travel to AFC Blackpool for their FA Cup extra preliminary round replay.
There is £750 on the table for the winners plus a home tie against Squires Gate on August 30.
Other preliminary round ties include: Newcastle Town v Skelmersdale, Norton United v Leek Town, Stone Dominoes v Rainworth MW, Kidsgrove v AFC Wulfrunians or Pilkington XXX, Goodrich or Meir KA v Nuneaton Griff.
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