WINSFORD United will host Altrincham before starting a new campaign with an FA Cup tie.

Blues announced an initial list of friendlies on Friday night, which concludes with a home date against the Robins – relegated to the Northern Premier League at the end of last term.

They will also welcome Mossley, where former manager Lloyd Morrison has been in joint charge with Peter Band since leaving Barton Stadium in July 2013.

Player-manager Lee Duckworth takes his team first to Unicorn Athletic, from the Cheshire League’s third tier, before trips to Alsager and Holywell Town next month.

The club is also close to agreeing a date with a National League side, also at home.

As in 2016, it is likely they will kick off a new season with an extra preliminary round encounter on Saturday, August 5.

However the North West Counties League has yet to confirm when their Premier Division programme for 2017-2018 will start.

Friendlies (kick off times to be confirmed)

Jul 4 Unicorn Athletic v Winsford United

Jul 15 Alsager Town v Winsford United

Jul 25 Winsford United v Mossley

Jul 29 Holywell Town v Winsford United

Aug 1 Winsford United v Altrincham