WINSFORD United have unveiled a busy pre-season programme that includes nine friendly matches before they begin another campaign in the North West Counties League’s top-flight.

Blues will host four higher-ranked opponents at Barton Stadium, including National League North outfit Curzon Ashton - managed by former Blues number two John Flanagan.

Stalybridge Celtic and Nantwich Town, from the Northern Premier League’s Premier Division, are due in town too, while Radcliffe make the same trip before they do.

Lee Duckworth’s men are scheduled to play a first warm-up game at Warrington-based Rylands on Tuesday, July 3, kick-off 7.30pm.

However that date could be amended if England progress to the last 16 at the World Cup.

Provisional schedule

Jul 03 Rylands (a)

Jul 07 Sandbach United (a)

Jul 10 Curzon Ashton (h)

Jul 14 Alsager Town (a)

Jul 17 Radcliffe (h)

Jul 21 Stalybridge Celtic (h)

Jul 24 Barnton (a)

Jul 28 Penycae (a)

Jul 31 Nantwich Town (h)