THE West Riding County Amateur League, who are on Step Seven of the FA National League System, will kick off their 97th consecutive season tomorrow with just a Premier Division.

After losing over 30 teams over the previous three seasons, many of whom have folded while other clubs have dropped their reserve sides, the league have lost another 12 teams since the end of last season.

They have either moved to the West Yorkshire League or Yorkshire Amateur League or, in Steeton's case, made the jump to semi-professional football at Step Six.

They are the fifth County Amateur club to make such a move in the last decade.

However, three new teams have joined the County Amateur League – Ryburn United, who finished second in the Haslem Sheppard Halifax League Premier Division last season, while AFC Bingley and Toller have moved to Saturday football from the Bradford Sunday Alliance League.

The trio will join the 12 clubs from last season's Premier Division and Division One.

Bradford FC and West Horton have changed their names as Bradford have merged with Bradford Sunday Alliance League side Olympic to become Bradford Olympic, while West Horton will be known as PFC.

Last season's Premier Division champions Golcar United will start the defence of their title with a home game against Ryburn United.

Route One Rovers, who were title challengers for the latter part of last season, open their campaign with a trip to DRAM Community.

Newcomers AFC Bingley and Toller start with away games – AFC Bingley at Littletown and Toller at PFC.

Premier Division Cup draw: AFC Bingley v Ryburn Utd, Golcar Utd v Lower Hopton, Route One Rovs v Steeton Res, Littletown v PFC, Toller v Bradford Olympic, DRAM Community v Ovenden West Riding. Byes: TVR United, Lepton Highlanders. Ties to be played on Saturday, October 13 (2pm).