Last updated at 12:43, Thursday, 09 August 2012

The new Northern Alliance season begins this Saturday with home games for all three of the Carlisle-based sides.

The pre-season for Carlisle City has not been easy, with friendlies cancelled against Cleator Moor Celtic, Penrith Rangers and Hexham. The games that did go ahead were not that successful as there were defeats at Penrith and at home to both East Kilbride and Harton & Westoe.

A number of new players have been recruited as City look to improve on last season’s fifth-place finish. Striker Simon Tucker, previously of Workington and Annan, could be a useful addition and other new signings include Dan Greenslade, Lee Crowe, Josh Simpson and Sean Wilkinson.

They play Shankhouse at the Sheepmount on Saturday (2.30pm)

There has been a name change at Harraby as they have dropped the Catholic Club and replaced it with United. There has also been a management change, with Andrew Hewson stepping down due to family commitments. He is succeeded by Barry Robinson, once a scout with Newcastle United. He will be assisted by Paul Pearson.

The playing squad is basically the same as last season and Harraby are hopeful that they will once again be challenging near the top of the table. Their first game on Saturday is at home to Hebburn Reyrolle (2.30pm).

Northbank Carlisle return to Division 1 after a two-year spell in the lower division.

Mark Lightfoot will continue the dual role of player/manager with assistance on the sidelines from Johnny Stevenson and Paul Henderson, moving across from Carlisle City reserves. Their pre-season games have seen wins over Warwick Wanderers, Crosshill and Mirehouse with a draw at Silloth and the only defeat was at the hands of Harraby United.

The club is pleased to retain the services of promising youngsters Cameron Wilson, Martin Rickerby and Mark Worrall.

They have added to the squad in defence with left-back Jamie Forrester and James Swanton, previously with the Carlisle United school of excellence. Their first game on Saturday sees the visit of Wallington to the Sheepmount (2.30pm).

First published at 11:30, Thursday, 09 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk