MALPAS hope they have unearthed a promising replacement for keeper Mel Sutton.
Sutton broke his leg last week and his place in goal was taken by teenager Eddy Brownrigg in a 2-0 defeat to Middlewich Town on Saturday.
In his first senior game for the club, the 16-year-old pulled off four magnificent saves.
Malpas expect to be close to full-strength when they kick-off the Division Two campaign at home to Maine Road reserves tomorrow.
Centre-back Steve Watkins is out, but this season's squad has been strengthened with the return of Tim Clarke following a spell out with a broken leg and Simon Bradley, who has returned from Australia.
Assistant boss Robbie McWilliams said: 'The squad is relatively young and will no doubt have come on from last year.'
* Tarporley Victoria have joined the league and kick-off with a trip to Monk tomorrow. They entertain Malpas on Tuesday.
