Widnes will take on Runcorn Linnets on Saturday in the traditional curtain-raiser to the North West Counties League season, when the two teams compete for the Reusch Challenge Cup.

It’s the third time that the clash between the Hallmark Security League Premier Division champions and the Macron Challenge Cup winners has been staged, and it’s also the first time that both competing sides will be playing in the Evo-Stik League in the coming season.

Linnets were, of course, promoted as champions and Widnes as runners-up at the end of last season.

It's also the first Halton Derby of the season, with two more to come in the Evo-Stik League, and Widnes will be looking to record a third consecutive victory against their local rivals having completed a double over Linnets last season.

The opportunity to lift silverware before the season starts, coupled with local bragging rights at stake, should ensure a keenly contested encounter.

Widnes co-manager Kev Towey said, "Saturday is a very proud moment for this football club.

“The past two years have seen the club rise from the Hallmark Security League First Division to the Evo-Stik League and the occasion is a perfect way to celebrate this achievement against our neighbours.

“The links between both clubs on and off the pitch are very strong and that makes for very healthy competition.

“Both games last season were an excellent standard and although we triumphed in both, anyone who saw the game at our place will know we had to ride our luck to back up our convincing win at their place weeks earlier.

“I think it's very fitting that the two best sides from last year’s Premier Division get the chance to face off, and both will want to add their honours list.

“Anyone who says they’re treating this as a friendly is lying. I know both sets of players and it's not in their make up to not give 100%, which gives us the ingredients for a fantastic game."

Widnes will be without Mike Burke, Michael Grogan and skipper Kev Pollard, but the Whites have been handed a boost with joint-managers Towey and Steve Akrigg both available again.

Meanwhile, competitive debuts could be handed to summer signings Dale Korie-Butler, Jamie Rainford, Ben Cartwright, Danny Ventre and Bram Johnstone.

Linnets have a made a number of impressive signings this summer with additions Kurt Sherlock and Adam Gilchrist both expected to feature.

The game at the Millbank Linnets Stadium kicks off at 3pm, and will be played to a finish on the day. Admission to the game is by cash payment at the turnstiles, Adults £5, Concessions £3, and accompanied children admitted free.