It’s a case of déjà vu this afternoon as the new North West Counties League season gets under way here at Adie Moran Park with the visit of Burscough.

On the opening day of last season, the sides also met here with Heys running out 3-0 winners. Over the course of the season Burscough were to avenge that defeat with a 3-1 win in the return fixture last November.

The team’s campaigns were to offer contrasting fortunes. Heys came seventh in the Premier Division table whilst the Linnets were to finish in a relegation position but were reprieved due to their Points per Game ratio when the FA League’s committee met to decide the constitutions for this season.

It's fair to say our visitors had a tough season, for example their Manager walked out on the eve of last season’s opener, which somewhat set the tone for the campaign. However, Burscough approach this season well prepared and looking much stronger. They moved quickly to make the eye-catching appointment of Richard Brodie as Manager in May, after he had guided Skelmersdale to an 11th placed finish in the Northern Premier League Division One. A busy Summer of recruitment has followed, and hopes will be high for a much stronger season this time around.

For Heys, last season was something of a roller coaster but ultimately a seventh placed finish represented a good return for Lee 0’Brien and James Hampson in their first season in charge. Having overseen a complete overhaul of the squad last Summer, this close season has been quieter with the bulk of last season’s squad retained. However, they have made some astute signings across all areas as they look to provide some extra quality to push the club into a promotion challenging position in the months ahead.

The opening day of a new season always brings great optimism and both teams will be hoping that that feeling remains intact come five o’clock.

b]MATCH INFORMATION[/b]

Ground: Adie Moran Park, Sandgate Road, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 6WG

Telephone: 0161 773 8888 (match days only)

Licensed bar in the clubhouse serving hot and cold drinks, hot and cold food/snacks and equipped with televisions and seating for around sixty people. Gents and Ladies WC's are also located in the clubhouse. An additional serving hatch is available adjacent to the Seated Stand.

There are separate toilet facilities inside the ground. These are located in the red building block to the left of the turnstiles as you enter the ground.

We have a covered standing area for approx 150 people and covered seating for 100.

There's free on-site parking for around 150 cars on the front and down the length of the motorway side of the ground. Car park Stewards will guide you to a space. On entering the ground at present you will note there are presently Cabins on the Car Park, reducing capacity.

However, there is now additional Car Parking available down the whole length of the motorway side of the ground.

On arrival if you find the front Car Park full, please proceed across the Car Park, past the turnstiles to the end of the ground perimeter and then turn right to use this additional space.

We would ask that you do not double park or cause a blockage on the front Car Park. Also please do not park on Sandgate Road.

Please do not park on Sandgate Road or surrounding streets.

Hard standing around the entire pitch.

Pyrotechnics are banned. This includes Flares, Fireworks and Smoke Bombs. Anyone carrying pyrotechnics will be subject to a Football Banning order.

Supporters are also reminded that is an offence to enter the Playing Area and doing so can result in a Banning order.

The Club does not allow Dogs into the ground. The only exception to this rule is for Disability Support Dogs.

Please note out of consideration to our neighbours Drums and other Musical Instruments are banned from the ground. Visiting supporters are asked to also refrain from placing flags on the Clubhouse / Seated stand side of the ground.

2022/23 Admission Prices: Adults £7, Concessions £4 (over 65's and students with valid student card), Under 16 's and under FREE.

Programme Price: £2.00

Directions: M60 to junction 17 head towards Whitefield, take first right into Clyde Avenue and continue over the traffic lights onto Thatch Leach Lane, turn right at the Frigate Public House, go over the motorway bridge, the ground is on the left.

Nearest Railway: Besses O`Barn Metrolink Station, Bury Old Road. Turn right out of station and follow directions as above.

Nearest Bus Route to Ground: 135 from Manchester to Bury Route, alight at Besses o Barn and follow directions as above.