DR JOHNSON wrote that "New things are made familiar, and familiar things are made new." Certainly there is something about the composition of North Two West that backs up Samuel's observation from the Vale of Lune's standpoint.
It might not be a pipe and slippers environment that awaits the Vale, far from it one imagines, but with the exception of Burnage, they will be visiting old pastures.
Although they will have a long-standing affinity with many of the clubs, built
up and cemented over many seasons, the playing strengths, despite all the wagging tongues at the bars, will remain a mystery until the season unfolds.
As the last two dramatic seasons have proved, the Vale can take nothing for granted and with the leagues moving to a 14 club format, which this season incorporates relegation, a positive start is imperative and although the Vale stuttered after Christmas, enough points had been banked to keep some of the wolves at bay.
Vale have not faced Altrincham Kersal since the heady days of North One in the 2004/05 season, when they lost both meetings and were relegated. Altrincham Kersal ended last season in fourth place in North Two West.
There will be an early opportunity to run the rule over Burnage, who topped South Lancashire/Cheshire One last season, when they visit Powder House Lane for the first time at senior level on the final Saturday in September.
Vale of Lune: North Two West Fixtures 2009/2010 (Home games in capitals)
5 September Aspatria
12 BLACKBURN
19 Broughton Park
26 BURNAGE
3 October Leigh
10 LIVERPOOL ST HELENS
17 Lymm
24 NEW BRIGHTON
31 Northwich
7 November SANDBACH
14 Tyldesley
28 Wilmslow
5 December ALTRINCHAM KERSAL
12 Blackburn
19 BROUGHTON PARK
9 January Burnage
16 LEIGH
23 Liverpool St Helens
30 LYMM
13 February New Brighton
20 NORTHWICH
6 March Sandbach
13 TYLDESLEY
20 WILMSLOW
27 Altrincham Kersal
10 April ASPATRIA
