The Silkmen travel the short distance to Bower Fold for an encounter with Stalybridge Celtic this weekend. The Blue Square North team is of course managed by former Silkmen favourite Steve Burr and a keenly contested encounter is expected with the new season just a week away.

The game kicks-off at 3pm with admission costing £5 for adults (£3 concessions).

Directions to the ground from the M60

Leave the M60 at junction 24 (M67, Denton) At the roundabout join the M67. Stay on the M67 to the very end, Junction 4. At the roundabout turn left (exit 1 of 4) onto the A57 (Hyde Road). After 1/2 a mile you will reach a set of traffic lights (signposted Stalybridge). Turn left onto B6174 (Stalybridge Road). Almost immediately, there is a mini roundabout. Turn left (exit 1 of 5) onto Roe Cross Road (A6018).

Follow this road for 1 3/4 miles passing the Roe Cross Inn on the right and through the cutting (the road is now called Mottram Road) When you pass the Dog and Partridge on the right, you will be almost there. Bower Fold is on the left opposite a sharp right turn next to the Hare and Hounds pub. If the car park is full (it usually is), parking can be found on the streets on the right of Mottram Road.

The Silkmen then finish of their pre-season games with a trip to Eastwood Town on Monday 4th August.