Chorley welcome Trafford for season opener

5:17pm Wednesday 13th August 2008

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Chorley's UniBond First Division North league campaign starts on Saturday with North West Counties League champions Trafford visiting the Chorley Nissan Victory Park Stadium.

Trafford have picked themselves up following their relegation from the UniBond League in 2003 and as well as assistant manager Lee Southwood they have two other former Magpies in defender Billy McCartney and midfielder Gareth Thomas in their ranks.

Chorley travel to meet Woodley Sports on Tuesday and the following Saturday they will have an open date – a consequence of the First Division North having 21 clubs.

While putting together a certain amount of rebuilding of the team, manager Tony Hesketh has had to contend with pre-season injuries to recently-appointed skipper Kieran Fletcher and new striker Jordan Connerton.

Fletcher, who damaged his ankle playing against Bolton Wanderers, hopes to be back in contention by the end of August and Connerton, who injured a knee in training, is back in action but not quite ready for the fray.

Hesketh said: “I’m pleased with the way the players worked together during the pre-season matches, and having Lee Shillito and Ashley Parillon fit again after long lay-offs has given us a massive boost in midfield.”

Hesketh is still looking at strengthening the squad, so there could be developments this week.

There will be fun for all the family at Victory Park on Saturday even before the start of the game against Trafford, with the support of the club’s main sponsors, the Chorley Nissan Group.

Cheerleaders will be there and entertainment will also include morris dancing. Local dignitaries and celebrities have been invited.