'May the ball roll kindly for you all'

“It doesn’t seem too long since the end of the 2021/22 season when Thornton Cleveleys, Milnthorpe Corinthians, Rossendale, Euxton Villa Reserves and Coppull Reserves were crowned champions of their respective divisions.

“After two Covid-hit seasons it was a relief to us all that we managed to complete the season and we keep our fingers crossed there are no further disruptions ahead.

Hurst Green's impressive playing surface

“At the AGM, we welcomed four new clubs, Astley & Buckshaw, Pause United, Holker Old Boys Reserves and AFC Blackpool Reserves and we wish them all well.

“Their desire to join our league shows the standing it holds in the region and we are proud to welcome them aboard, which also allows us to commit to our preferred 48-team format in the top three divisions.

“Many of the grounds in our league look in fine fettle and it’s huge credit to the groundspeople who put in so much effort to improve their facilities year on year. They have never looked better.

“Thank-you to the players, managers, club volunteers and match officials who make this league what it is – we hope you all have an enjoyable season.

Coppull v Whitehaven

“We would also like to welcome on board UCLan sports journalism student Ben Smith who will provide the weekly match round-ups following the sterling efforts of Theo Hewson-Betts last year.

“We would respectfully ask clubs to provide full match information including names of goalscorers for both sides and times of goals when submitting results to Dave Sponder – this will allow Ben to keep raising the profile of clubs and the league online and on social media, after such huge strides were made last year.

“And finally to our main sponsors Orsted who have come on board this season, thank-you for your support.