Five of the local clubs return to league action on Saturday and another faces their test on the semi-pro scene.

The close season may have felt short for most managers and coaches but for Albion Sports’ boss Kulwinder Sandhu it flew by in a blur.

He said recently: “Absolutely - it has just whizzed by and we have been asking questions and picking peoples’ brains.

“We have learned a lot even in the close season after being voted into the Baris Northern Counties East League.

"We are ready for the challenge - we have kept a lot of the squad that were with us in the West Riding County Amateur League and we just want to have a solid season and get ourselves established.

"We know there is still a long way to go and that we are just starting out on a journey.”

Albion begin life on the football pyramid system with a trip to Grimsby Borough and face a NCEL First Division Cup away tie three days later in a difficult opening week.

Jordan Missin, Aaron Hayward and former Bantams youth Joe Brown bagged most of Albion’s goals in pre-season.

Divisional rivals and near-neighbours Eccleshill United also have three points on offer on Saturday but their chances of claiming them are markedly better as they are at home to Bottesford Town.

Ian Banks’ side have had a strenuous warm-up campaign, despite one of their friendly fixtures falling through at the 11th hour.

In the Premier Division, just one of the three sides in the area have home advantage.

Brighouse Town are at home and it will bring a first competitive appearance in the dug out for manager Mick Couzens.

He replaced Mark Brier, who resigned at the end of the last campaign.

Couzens was in charge of the reserve and under-19 sides at Bradford Park Avenue last term, and as the Evo-Stik League outfit have disbanded both sections, many of the promising players have followed their boss to the Dual Seal Stadium.

Last season’s highest local achievers were Thackley, who claimed eighth spot and also an appearance in the West Riding County Cup final at Valley Parade, where they were beaten after extra- time by Blue Square Bet North near-neighbours Guiseley.

The Dennyboys have had a change at the top since then with Dave Morgan stepping down and Vince Brockie replacing him.

Brockie has lost some of Morgan’s squad to higher- ranking clubs but has introduced new blood ahead of their difficult opening game at Armthorpe Welfare.

Liversedge also have an away game on the opening day - at Nostell MW.

Sedge won just one of their five pre-season games but were severely tested by three opponents from higher steps.

Silsden begin their campaign in the North West Counties League Premier Division with a home fixture as they host Atherton LR at Keighley Road.