Morpeth Town travel to Warrington Town on Saturday in the first game of the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.

The Highwaymen will be looking for a fast start but know they face one of the toughest away trips on the opening day of the 2022/23 campaign.

Last season, we met Warrington three times in the league and FA Trophy, with the Highwaymen winning 2-0 at Craik Park – thanks to Ben Ramsey and Liam Henderson goals – before a bizarre decision at Cantilever Park saw Dan Lowson red carded. Town took the lead at the start of the second half but Warrington made the extra man count with three in reply.

In the FA Trophy, a 1-1 draw, which saw Ben Sayer open the scoring, ended with a penalty shoot-out success for the Highwaymen, with James Anderson saving superbly from the spot before Ryan Donaldson kept his nerve to slot the deciding spot-kick into the top corner.

ONE FROM THE PAST

We’ve visited the Yellows before on the first game of a season, back when we first introduced ourselves at this level. That day, a baking hot afternoon, saw us triumph 3-1 with an absolutely fantastic first goal from Sean Reid. The midfielder let fly with a searing volley from the edge of the box to give the Highwaymen the advantage. A header from Jack Foalle and a late close-range effort from debutant Ben Harmison ensured three points on the road.

THE GAFFER

Ahead of the game, Morpeth Town manager Craig Lynch insisted a tough challenge lies ahead for his side, who will need to confront a street-wise Warrington side as well as soaring expected temperatures throughout the game.

He said: “We are really looking forward to the season starting. Warrington away will be a really good test and will show us straight away how we are looking for the season ahead.”

THE OPPOSITION

Warrington boss Mark Beesley is anticipating a hugely competitive division, particularly with the addition of local rivals Warrington Rylands.

He said: “The league is a very good one – it was last season and there’s some good teams come in this season. There’s not much between the top and the bottom, which you’ve got to be pleased with.”

RADIO COMMENTARY

Can’t make the game on Saturday? We’ve got live 90-minute commentary from Ross and Michael, from 2.55pm, on our Mixlr page. Free to listen, and available on your phone or computer, you can listen to us wherever you are. Tune in for the big game, brought to you by Allery Chemistry – provider A-level and GCSE Chemistry revision resources available on TES.co.uk – our proud Highwaymen Radio sponsor.