MATCH PREVIEW: Final dress rehearsal

Reds will head to Lancashire on Saturday for their ninth game of a very busy pre-season schedule which ends with a tough looking encounter at Clitheroe (3pm).

And their new found defensive stability will be put to the test by Jimmy Bell’s Clitheroe who have scored three goals in most of their friendlies and have won all five matches played.

They are rightly being tipped as one of the promotion contenders in NPL West as they make another attempt to get promoted from Step 4.  Last season they finished 8th in the division but they have recruited, strengthened and improved with 3-1 victories over Accrington Stanley and Fleetwood Town’s a good yardstick on their progress.

Reds have a decent record at the now named EcoGiants Stadium but it is always a competitive encounter and Saturday will be no different.

The most recent clash, of course, was fifteen months ago when we won 2-0 in the play-off semi-final at Borough Park after Reds had finished in 3rd position with Clitheroe 4th. 

Mark Fell will travel with a similar squad to the one on duty last Tuesday with substitutions probably delayed until later in the game.

That will leave a free week and two training sessions ahead of the opening game of the season at Guiseley.

Venue: EcoGiants Stadium, Shawbridge, Clitheroe, BB7 1LZ

Mileage: 121