THE James Cropper Westmorland League has an exciting opening day of fixtures across all three divisions with the season set to begin on Saturday, August 17.

Division One Champions Keswick will be keen to retain their title for a fourth consecutive season. However, they face a difficult start when they host newly promoted Kirkby Stephen on the Saturday before travelling to play Wetheriggs United on the following Tuesday night.

In the other games Endmoor KGR entertain Penrith Reserves at Woodside Road on Saturday. Penrith Reserves face a busy start to the season as they will host Appleby on the following Tuesday night.

Sedbergh and Dent United will play their first ever game since merging together at the end of last season. They face a difficult start with an away game at Windermere, who defeated Kendal County 3-2 in a pre-season friendly.

Andy Hayton and Chris Hayton take charge of Ibis for the first team when they play Shap on Wednesday night. Hayton is returning to manage the team for a second time following the departure of Alistair Braithwaite.

In Division Two, Kris Clough and Wes Derham's Kendal County reserve team travel to play AFC Carlisle on the Saturday before entertaining Ambleside United on the following Wednesday night.

Kendal United Reserves make the short trip to play newly promoted Burneside on the Saturday before they host Appleby Reserves.

Burneside, meanwhile, face another difficult game a few days later when they travel to play Staveley United.

Sedbergh and Dent United Reserves face two home games against Windermere Reserves and Ibis Reserves, Greystoke host AFC Carlisle while Keswick’s Reserves play Penrith Academy.

In Division Three Eden United are home to Ullswater United, before hosting Langwathby United on the Wednesday night.

Sedbergh and Dent United’s A Team play Langwathby United before they make the short trip to play Staveley United Reserves