TWO of the League's title-chasing sides will meet in a blockbusting opening game of the campaign as the new season kicks off this Sunday.

Newton Aycliffe - last year's runners-up and five-times champions - will take on up-and-coming Lakeside (formerly Huntsman), who last year finished fourth.

Both sides are being touted as one of the championship favourites this season, along with last year's champions New Masons, who begin the campaign with a free Sunday.

Meanwhile, Old Shildon - who finished third last year - travel to The Grand, while newly-promoted Thorns travel to Eldon Lane for what promises to be another exciting game. The Loves and Binchester Social Club, both promoted from Division Two last season, meet on Sunday, while Beehive take on Brandon and Salvins play Tudhoe United.

"It promises to be a cracking start to the season," said League Secretary Mike Hill. "It's always an exciting time for all clubs, when new targets are set and enthusiasm is at its peak. The standard of the league is growing higher year-by-year and I'm sure this season will be just as exciting as past years.

"Aycliffe have always been one of our tops sides, while Lakeside won cup honours last year and impressed in the League as well. I'm sure both sides will be pushing for the title at the end of the season and this Sunday's game promises to provide an excellent start to the season."

There are also some mouth-watering games to look for in Division Two. Horndale, looking to bounce straight back up to the top flight, play new side Eldon Arms, while Postchaise host Two Blues. A report and full round-up of results will feature in next week's Local Heroes.