The new campaign for Park Avenue begins in earnest tomorrow when the newly-formed Conference North gets under way.

The Bradford club have been handed a difficult opening fixture, with Avenue boss Carl Shutt tipping Alfreton Town - last season's UniBond Premier Division champions - as one of the favourites for promotion.

"I think they are one of the six big hitters in this division so it will be a tough start for us, but there is a lot of excitement at our own club," said Shutt, who has made eight close-season signings.

"There is a lot of spirit about the squad and the lads are enjoying it but also putting in a lot of work. If we show the right commitment and strengthen the confidence there is no reason why we can't get something from the season.

"Dean Jones has been made club captain and Ryan Crossley will be the vice skipper. They are both good players, and defenders, which I think is apt for a captain, who are leaders on the pitch and make themselves heard.

"The pair offer us different things in terms of the skipper's role and that will give us two voices from the players' point of view.

"Deano will act as the bridge between me and the dressing room and he was a slight favourite for the job because he is four or five years older than Crosser.

"There are half a dozen clubs spending big money for this level, one of them is Alfreton, but you also have to look at Harrogate, Nuneaton, Southport and Worksop. But money doesn't always bring success. If that was the case Chelsea would have walked away with the Premiership last season.

"There is always a couple of clubs in the mix who are a surprise package and we hope to be one of them this time round."

The North West Counties League also begins tomorrow, handing Silsden their first ever game on the non-league ladder after they were accepted into the pyramid.

Their first hurdle in Division Two sees them travel to Stoke to take on Morton United, but they will be at home at Cougar Park the following Wednesday.

Guiseley's latest pre-season friendly was a wash-out last night as the referee brought a halt to proceedings at Glasshoughton Welfare at half-time, abandoning the match because of the torrential rain.

"The game started with a delayed kick-off because of the weather and by half-time it was coming down in daggers," said Guiseley boss Neil Parsley.

"It wasn't what we wanted or needed after Tuesday's game at Silsden was cancelled but it was the right decision.

"It was unplayable and the last thing we wanted was to ruin Glasshoughton's pitch at this stage.

"We have a game planned at Tadcaster Albion tomorrow but given the geographical location of their ground, if that river bursts its banks then that will be off as well."

Some of the other semi-pro sides in the area are also in action this weekend with Farsley Celtic playing a home game against a University side from the USA at Throstle Nest tonight.

Thackley travel to Nottingham to face their tormentors of last season, Eastwood Town.

The teams met four times during the campaign, twice in the Northern Counties East Premier Division and in the two-legged President's Cup final, but Eastwood won promotion to the UniBond so their paths are unlikely to cross again this term.

Eccleshill United have home advantage over Worsborough Bridge.

The Barnsley outfit are from the second tier of the NCE League but are perennial opponents of United in pre-season.