The long wait for the return of competitive football finally comes to an end on Saturday, as Atherton Collieries kick off their 2024/25 campaign with a trip to Avro.
This year’s Northern Premier League Division One West opener follows a pre-season schedule that saw the Colls take on Prestwich Heys, Bury, Daisy Hill, Kendal Town, Bamber Bridge and a Bolton XI.
Meanwhile, this weekend’s opponents have been tuning up for the new season with games against Holywell Town, Chadderton, Abbey Hey, Guiseley, Curzon Ashton and, most recently, National League outfit Rochdale.
The arrival of the opening day provides both sets of supporters with a first chance to see their sides’ respective summer signings in full flow, and one such arrival over at the Vestacare Stadium has been experienced striker Mike Phenix.
An influential figure during his time at Salford City, the 35-year-old previously spent a brief stint in the Football League with Barnsley, and joins Avro having also taken spells at AFC Telford United and Southport among others.
David Chadwick and Co. have also been busy bolstering their squad in recent weeks, with those making the trip on Saturday getting the chance to potentially see the likes of Calen Gallagher, Max Bardsley-Rowe and Eden Bailey make their official Colls bow, and to also welcome back more familiar faces such as Lewis Mansell and Oli Putnam, who have committed to continuing to represent the club ahead of the upcoming season.
Tickets for Saturday’s game can be purchased in advanced via the following link (cd-tickets – Avro FC) and are priced as follows: Adults: £10, Over 65s: £8, Under 21s: £6, Under 16s: £3, Under 8s: Free.
