AFC Emley travel to Doncaster on Saturday to take on Armthorpe Welfare, 3.00 kick off, in the opening game of the 2018/19 Northern Counties East League Division 1 campaign.
Manager Joe Howson will be looking to improve on last seasons mid table finish, a season in which Howson says was a "steep learning curve" and "challenging", however, Howson says the pre season period has been positive and they have worked hard not only on recruitment but on how they want the team to play.
Howson also says one area he wanted to strengthen during the summer was up front and some proven goal scorers, so naturally, is delighted with the captures of Ruben Jerome and Ernest Boafa who will add that quality he has been looking for.
The return to Michael Tunnacliffe is also a big boost as his leadership qualities are also something Howson has been looking to add to the squad, along with one or two others, he feels there is enough leadership qualities to succeed.
Despite losing lots of players over the last close season, and during the season, and after a poor start, Emley picked up some good wins along the way to a 12th place finish, which Howson also described as positive, but an improvement is definitely the target this season.
Emley travel to Armthorpe on Saturday looking to improve on 1-1 draw in the corresponding fixture last year, despite dominating for large periods of the game.
They then host Selby Town at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Wednesday 8th August hoping to kick start their home campaign with 3 points.
Before that, there is a final friendly game V Pontefract Collieries on Thursday 2nd August which is FREE admission for all!

For anyone travelling to Armthorpe the address is

M Pilbeam Construction Stadium
Church Street, Armthorpe, Doncaster, DN3 3AG.
Admission is £5 adults and £3 concessions.
KicK off is 3PM