AFTER Guiseley hosted Leeds United for their first pre-season game at the weekend, another Sky Bet Championship side will be coming out of hibernation at Nethermoor tonight as Barnsley play their first friendly of the summer.

The Tykes finished below Yorkshire rivals Leeds last term but 14th place will have given them hope of improving on that in the forthcoming campaign.

Paul Heckingbottom has strengthened his squad during the close season and the new signings are likely to be making their Barnsley debuts in tonight's warm-up game.

The Lions were beaten 5-1 by Leeds on Saturday but results in pre-season count for little and Guiseley boss Adam Lockwood was happy with the stern test that the visitors gave them and also content that his squad had given the Championship outfit a tough afternoon.

Barnsley will arrive looking for a similarly difficult 90 minutes. Lockwood is still finalising his squad for the new season and said: "We've had a lot of positive talks and I'm happy up to now with the quality.

"There are a lot of things that we can't disclose. There are a few little things I'd like to get tied up but all will be announced at the right time."

Will Wells could miss out on tonight's game as he appeared to pick up a knock towards the end of the second half on Saturday. Lockwood said: "He's not too sure if he'll be ready but it's hard to say straight away.

"We might need to send him for an x-ray but hopefully not. He's got a bright future and he has come back in great shape. He is learning in every session we take part in and every game he is learning and is keen to do so."

Barnsley are working towards their opening Championship fixture at Bristol City in three weeks on Saturday, August 5.

Meanwhile, Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division outfit Liversedge play their first warm-up game tonight as they host local club Oakenshaw.

NCE League Division One outfit Eccleshill United began their pre-season last night with a 6-1 home defeat to Shaw Lane.

The visitors broke the deadlock through former Farsley Celtic, Guiseley and Bradford Park Avenue striker Damian Reeves, while the Eagles' solitary reply went down as an own goal after a Marcus Edwards ball into the danger zone went in off a defender.

The Ducks, who are newly promoted to the Evo-Stik League Premier Division, cantered to their big win with a strong second-half display. They doubled their lead from the penalty spot through a trialist but Reeves went on to bag a brace, as did Nicky Walker, with Godwin Abadaki also on target.

Tomorrow sees Campion back in action as they host Ossett Albion. Albion Sports should also have had a friendly but Bradford City had to cancel that fixture for their development squad.