KEIGHLEY Cougars have announced their first friendly fixture ahead of the upcoming League 1 season.

On Sunday, March 13, they will welcome Swinton Lions to Cougar Park for a 3pm kick-off in what should be a tough encounter for both sides a fortnight out from the new campaign.

This friendly will see the first meeting between the two sides, currently the bookmakers' favourites for promotion this coming year, since the 2015 League 1 play-off final, which the Lions won by a single point following a Chris Atkin drop goal.

It will also mark a first return to Cougar Park for Jose Kenga, who departed Keighley to join Swinton ahead of the 2019 season.

The game also provides both Cougars head coach Rhys Lovegrove and his opposite number Allan Coleman one final opportunity to look at their squads ahead of their respective League 1 openers against Oldham and the West Wales Raiders.

Admission for the game is priced at £10 for adults, £8 for concessions, and is free for children under the age of 16.

An additional charge of £2 will be added to any seated tickets purchased for the Danny Jones Stand.

Advanced ticket purchases for the visit of Swinton will be available in due course, with the link to be posted on Cougars' social media platforms once available.