FORGET the big-money goings-on in the Premiership - grassroots football is back with a bang tomorrow.

Newly-promoted Goole, still bubbling after the joy of sealing the Northern Counties East league premier division title last year, take their first bow in the UniBond League, while Pickering Town dip their toes into the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup - all alongside the regular NCE League action.

Four new faces will be among the starting line-up at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds when Rossendale United become Goole's first UniBond division one opponents including Macclesfield Town midfielder Steve Owens, who is poised to finalise a deal today.

A second home game is scheduled for Tuesday against Bridlington Town.

Mark Willoughby and Gary Shaw are both missing due to holiday and honeymoon, respectively, but their presence will be countered by the noteworthy additions.

Several pre-season injuries could rock Pickering Town's chances of making headway in the FA Cup when they travel to Bacup Borough.

Key players including Alex Willgrass and Michael McNaughton (pictured above) are both sidelined with various knocks, while Gavin Dickinson has joined Goole and Mark and Steve Swales have both signed for Bridlington, leaving boss Alex Mathie to turn to young reserve players such as Danny Gray and Steve Baxter.

Last year's top travelling side Harrogate Railway face their toughest test on the road of the season on opening day when they make the long trek to Buxton in the NCEL premier division.

There have been no mass changes at Station View over the summer, although Martin Haresign has brought in defenders Grant Illingworth of Halifax and Dean Lawler from Goole to create some all-important cover for the back four. Ironically, they will both get a chance this weekend with Phil Turner and Damien Holmes unavailable and Scott Bairstow doubtful.

Selby Town, who missed out on promotion by just two points last time out, get their challenge under way at home to Arnold Town, who are again expected to offer a stiff challenge.

In division one, Tadcaster Albion have question marks hovering over three influential players; Matty Howgate, Danny Pitts and Greg Anderson, but will see ex-Farsley Celtic centre-half Simon Brocker in action for the first time.

Harrogate Town make another long trip to Nuneaton just days after their 4-1 thrashing at Hucknall Town in Nationwide North, eager to get back on the points-scoring trail.

Updated: 11:42 Friday, August 19, 2005