CHAMPIONS Thornton United begin the defence of their Bradford Sunday Alliance League title at home to George Hotel tomorrow.

Two newly-promoted Premier Division clubs clash at Green Top Street, where League Cup winners White Eagles entertain Ventus United.

Bradford & District Cup winners West Bowling host Buttershaw Celtic in a restricted opening programme to the season.

Swaine Green face a tricky start in Division One with a home game against Allerton.

It is an important campaign for the Alliance as they try to achieve FA Charter Standard status for the first time.

Whitburn Athletic have been axed for failing to pay outstanding debuts and not affiliating to the West Riding County FA.

They have been replaced by Horse & Groom, who were too late with their initial application and so will take over the fixtures that had been allocated to Whitburn.

Manningham FC were also voted out at the league's annual meeting.