SILSDEN have pencilled in five pre-season fixtures to date before the league campaign begins at home to Abbey Hey on August 2.

Manager Andy Geary said: “We have a few games lined up but it looks like being a bit of a low key pre-season for us because we have had to turn down some clubs that wanted to play us at home.

“I know it’s the same everywhere with clubs not wanting too much action on the pitch before the season starts.”

Geary admits the process of arranging warm-up games can be tricky.

He said: “We have got a game against a Harrogate Town XI pencilled in, potentially on Thursday, July 10.

“We missed out on a game against their first team because of dates and things. It really is difficult to make arrangements at this time of year.

“Clubs will give you a provisional date but if there is an offer from a club higher up the leagues they will always take that one instead.

“You can’t blame them for that because they have to do what’s best for themselves and I’m sure we would do the same.

“We have got Daisy Hill and Harrogate Railway Athletic coming to our place and also Albion Sports, who we got a game against at the last minute.

“County Cup winners Field have also promised us an away game.”

Silsden’s proposed friendly fixtures – Thurs, July 10: Harrogate Town XI (h); Sat, July 12: Daisy Hill (h); Thurs, July 17: Albion Sports (h); Thurs, July 24: Field (a); Tues, July 29: Harrogate Railway Athletic.

Meanwhile, following the demise of the North West Counties Reserve League, Silsden will run a development side in the Lancashire Galaxy League, with home games scheduled for a Thursday.