WINSFORD United kick off their campaign at Bacup Borough on Saturday.

Home fans only have to wait until Tuesday and the visit of Flixton (7.45pm) for their first chance to see a side manager Joe Gibiliru believes is destined for the top.

He said: “It is a better squad than last season and I am convinced we will be competing for promotion.”

United ended their friendlies at home to Sandbach Town last night after beating Connah’s Quay and Rochdale Town in their previous two outings.

Nicky Maynard became Mid Cheshire’s most expensive product ever this week when Bristol City paid Crewe Alex £2.25 million for him.

The striker was born in Winsford and raised there by mum, Diane. His father is former Winsford United and Witton Albion centre forward Dave Maynard.

Nicky, 21, spent part of the 2006-07 season on loan at Witton, returning to Crewe to score 37 times in 59 appearances since then.