FOOTBALL: Chairman Alan Bartlam is hoping Vauxhall Motors maintain their good pre-season form when they entertain Everton reserves on Saturday.
The Motors supremo admits that he has been impressed by the performances of Carl Macauley's new-look side in their first few outings, most notably the famous 1-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers.
Bartlam said: 'I'm excited by the prospect of facing an Everton XI and hope we can produce another strong performance.
'This will only be the second time we have played an Everton side and it should be an interesting contest.
'We had a gate of about 500 the last time we played them so we are hoping we can get a similar number again on Saturday.'
Everton's first-team squad are on a mini-tour of America but there are sure to be some stars of the future in the Goodison Park team's line-up this weekend.
Bartlam, meanwhile, has revealed that boss Macauley is still looking to bolster his squad ahead of the Conference North season.
He is confident that, with two or three new signings, the Motormen could prove to be a surprise package.
Bartlam added: 'From what I've seen so far we have the nucleus of a very good side. We probably lack strength in depth at the moment but Carl is looking to address that at the moment and if we can bring the right players in then I think we will be looking strong.'
Vauxhall's hopes of extending their pre-season winning streak to three matches was thwarted at Colwyn Bay on Saturday.
A combination of poor finishing and last-ditch defending by Peter Davenport's side kept the Motormen at bay.
Motors were in action again last night, defeating Merseyside Police 3-1 in a re-arranged fixture after the match at Bangor City was cancelled. Anthony Wright (2) and Paul Addo were on target for the Motormen.
* Kick off on Saturday is 3pm. Admission is £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.
Vauxhall entertain Chester outfit Blacon YC at Rivacre Park next Tuesday (7.15pm).
*Castrol Athletic play host to a Chester City XI tomorrow.
The West Cheshire League outfit play host the Blues on their home pitch at Castrol Sports and Social Club.
Kick-off is 7pm and admission for adults is £2. Children and OAPs get in for free.
Castrol manager Maurice Doyle is fresh from representing one of his old clubs, Queen's Park Rangers, at the Southern Masters at Wembley Arena.
The 36-year-old helped Rangers to the final, where they were beaten 5-1 by a Gianfranco Zola-inspired Chelsea.
* Tranmere Rovers' Football in the Community will be holding six soccer schools and six tots courses over the summer holidays.
They take place at Wallasey High School, Bebington High Sports College and St Anselm's Sports Ground.
The soccer schools run from Monday to Thursday from 10am-3pm, with the tots courses from 10am-12pm.
The soccer schools are for boys and girls aged six to 12 years old and the tots courses for boys and girls aged four to six years.
The courses will be packed with fun and competitions with each participant receiving a commemorative medal and certificate for their endeavours.
For further information call 0151 608 2354.
