It's been a busy summer at Victoria Park, the entrance has been well and truly open with no fewer than 9 summer signings. Andy Bell and Phil Doughty got the ball rolling in July with the additions of Mark Sharples and Ash Brierley soon after. Then a quiet spell as what seems like hundreds of trialists came and went after playing in friendly draws at Coppull and Holker. The mixing of teams in friendly games stopped after a 6-1 drubbing at Northern League winners Marske and Ex PNE man Warren Beattie became the next player to sign, soon followed by experienced utility man Joel Pilkington. The Admirals went on a little winning run for their last 3 pre-season games, dispatching of Rochdale Town, Poulton and Thackley, scoring 8 and not conceding. Dave Sherlock and Thomas Hunt did enough in their trial spells to secure a deal then came the addition of key defender Ricky Mercer from Kendal. Nelson have re-found the scoring touch is pre-season with Peter Wright netting 6 goals in 5 appearances, Paul Fildes 4 in 4 and new signings Andy Bell (2), Dave Sherlock and Ricky Mercer all finding the net.

We understand before Saturday there are potentially 2 more additions to take the incoming number into double figures and the squad number to over 20. Youngsters Adam Nuttall, Reece Malone and Dean Smallridge have all made the step up from Development Squad to 1st team highlighting the superb progression routes for players at the club, especially based on the form of Nuttall in preseason.

Nelson certainly appear to be a bit of an unknown quantity in this years NWCFL and the questions will be asked whether, with so many new faces they have had time to gel?But there is undoubtedly a renewed optimism for the Admirals as a new look squad look to bring some silverware back to little Wembley. The Blues will have 5 chances for glory this season, starting with the bread and butter of the NWCFL Premier Division, where reward is a spot in the Evo-Stik league. Nelson will also compete for the MEN United Cup (league cup), Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy, FA Vase and FA Cup which starts on the 15th of August at home to Newton Aycliffe.

The new season kicks off with a mirror image of last seasons opening day, this time the Admirals will travel to The Pavilions to play Runcorn Town. Town finished 13th in the table last season, 8 points behind the Admirals in what was a change to their usually promotion chasing outfit, but they have also strengthened with Stuart Welstead joining from 1874 Northwich and the talented Paul Shanley retained. The two sides played out two score draws in 2014/15, 1-1 at Victoria Park and 2-2 at the Pavilions.

Team News

There are a couple of injury doubts for the Admirals, Joel Pilkington and Warren Beattie will face late fitness tests but Ben Woodhead plus Matty and Ed O'Neill are certainly ruled out as they are on holiday. Some very late transfer dealings may be tied up in time for them to feature.

ADMISSION

Admission to Runcorn Town's First Team matches for the 2014/15 season are as follows:

Adults: £5.00
Concessions (Under 16 / Over 65 / Students): £3.00
Accompanied Under 16s: Free

PARKING

Free parking is available on match days on Pavilions' car park which is next to Runcorn Town FC. Please note though that there may be other matches taking place on the complex and the car park may be crowded.

HOW TO GET HERE

The postcode for Runcorn Town is WA7 4EX

From M62 Junction 7: Get on the expressway towards Runcorn. When travelling over the Runcorn Bridge, get in the right hand lane heading towards Frodsham. Follow the road around and take the second exit. Turn right at the top, follow the road until the end and turn left. After 100 yards, turn left into Pavilions complex.

From M56 Junction 12: Get on the expressway towards Widnes. Come off at the fourth exit and turn left at the top. Follow the road until the end and turn left. After 100 yards, turn left into Pavilions complex.

If arriving by train, Runcorn Station is approximately 1 mile from the ground, and will cost around £2.50 in a taxi.

If travelling by the local bus service the timetable is below, your stop for Pavilions Sports Complex is Sandy Lane, and will cost around £2.00