Cunningham's Robins finished in the final play-off spot last season, finishing five points ahead of the Holy Blues who narrowly missed out after a quite remarkable season that saw Russ Wilcox's men play 55 games, reach the Emirates FA Cup Second Round - and the last sixteen of the Isuzu FA Trophy.

Ultimately, Ashton's season was ended when Liam Hughes & Jordan Burrows scored either side of Jason Gilchrist's equaliser to help Worksop progress to the play-off final. Breaking Robins hearts, and leaving both sides with it all again to do, this season.

Last season, it finished one win a piece,, in Gameday 4, Ashton inflicted a onE-nil defeat on Wilcox's men at the Kal Group Stadium. A Darius Osei goal settling that one. The Holy Blues got revenge in April, when Declan Howe & Lewis Butroid were the Gainsborough goal-getters in a 2-0 win at Hurst Cross.

Ashton's seven game pre-season has seen three wins, two draws and two defeats. Most recently, Sean Newton took charge of the side, overseeing a win against a Blackburn Rovers XI, while other wins came against Witton Albion (on penalties) and 5-1 against Chadderton. Draws at home against Halifax (0-0) and Salford (2-2) demonstrate the Tameside based side will be a tough nut to crack. As does the narrow defeat (2-1) against Marine. In their other game, they were defeated by a strong Crewe Alexanda side, going down 0-5.

Trinity's pre-season of the same number, has been seen by many as successful. With six wins and a draw lifting confidence and raising expectations, but boss Russ Wilcox is quick to remind supporters, "It’s a tough start to the campaign but we are ready for the challenge ahead. Ashton are a well organised team who are equipped to play many ways."

"The lads know the demands of the season with us playing six games in the first 17 days. Come down and get behind us in what should be a cracking opening day encounter."

Season Tickets | Season Tickets purchased online through our Ticketing Portal up to last Saturday will be available to collect from the Blues Club Bar, either Friday evening, or from Noon on Saturday. Those purchasing Season Tickets after Saturday should contact Matt to confirm whether their tickets have arrived.

For those paying on the gate. Our Matchday prices are: £13 Adults, £9 Concessions & Under 16s for £4. We can confirm that both cash and card payments will be taken at the turnstiles.

Matchday Programme |  36 pages. Full colour and packed full of great reading, there is plenty to get your teeth into during the build up to the game (or when you're home again afterwards - if you prefer to peruse your purchase at a later, more peaceful interlude).

We have freshened up the style, whilst keeping a number of our popular contributors, that make the programme what it is - Matt Boles, Russ Wilcox & newly appointed Club Captain, Bobby Johnson provide great insights from within the inner sanctum.

Phil Anderson returns, with his View from the Carlilse Street - where there is a shout out for a former player who has just moved on for a reported £1.6m...and Steve Andrews dives into the archives, to take us down memory lane.

Ross Jackson praises the return of the new season, Dale Storey looks at the hopes of our fellow Lincolnshire sides. Just Jamie uncovers the new teams to the division. And Rick Ward previews the teams in the division & ranks them... unfortunately not in table form!

Elsewhere in Matchday One - new season optimism abounds. Newly promoted Cleethorpes Town travel to recently relegated Warrington Town in what should be another interesting match up in the division, but nothing beats a game on the Northolme, here at the Kal Group Stadium:

Bamber Bridge vs Guiseley AFC
FC United of Manchester vs Leek Town
Hebburn Town vs Hednesford Town
Hyde United vs Lancaster City
Morpeth Town vs Ilkeston Town
Prescot Cables vs Stockton Town
Rushall Olympic vs Warrington Rylands
Warrington Town vs Cleethorpes Town
Workington AFC vs Whitby Town
Stocksbridge Park Steels (free weekend due to Widnes' resignation).

Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Tommy Cox from our pre-season friendly win over Barnsley & last season's away win at Ashton