The Whites will kick-off their league campaign away at their closest rivals for the second successive season but will want a better result this time around after being beaten 2-0 on the opening day last season.

Dempsey was appointed manager one month on from that defeat and is in optimistic mood as his side get their league season underway.

But the boss won't be at The APEC Taxis Stadium on Saturday as he's attending a pre-booked wedding abroad.

"I'm absolutely devastated to be missing it," Dempsey said.

"The lads are really looking forward to it. It's been a long pre-season and we've already played two competitive games in the FA Cup.

"Hopefully we'll go to Runcorn with enough about us to win the game. We want to start the season as well as we possibly can.

"We haven't spoken too much about Runcorn because we've been focussed on the FA Cup. We take each game as it comes - I don't know any other way of working.

"We'll prepare as well as we possibly can and while I'm away, I'll be on the phone every day to the lads making sure we're ready to go and I have full faith in my management team to take the game on Saturday."

Dempsey insists the dynamic won't change in his absence, pointing to the experience of his backroom staff in Karl Bell and Chris Stammers, who have both managed at this level.

"The dynamic shouldn't change. We have a really strong management team," Dempsey said.

"Dunney [Tony Dunne] has worked at this level for years. Karl has played and managed himself and Stam is an unbelievable coach alongside Dean [Baker] as well.

"We've got a really strong group. I've got full trust in them to pick the team and manage the game.

"And it helps that we've got a lot of experience in the dressing room. We've got some real leaders in there so while I'm not there, there's no reason why the lads can't go to Runcorn and get the three points."