Oldham Athletic Women's first team are ready to get their inaugural season under way on Sunday.
Holly Espie's side travel to Mancunian Unity Women B to kick-off the new campaign, and the first team manager is looking to capitalise on a positive pre-season.
Espie and her coaching staff have worked hard over the summer, recruiting a new crop of players and building a team ready for the Greater Manchester Women's Football League Premier Division.
“We are excited for the league to start and see where we can go as a team, there's a clear bond and cohesion amongst the group, and we are ready for the challenge," said Espie, who has named Abbey Rogers as captain.
“The preparation is done and now it’s all about showing it on the pitch.”
Latics Women recorded impressive wins over Whalley Range, Hyde United and Laces Development during a busy pre-season programme, and speaking to Oldham Athletic's official website Espie added: “Pre-season has been brilliant, it’s allowed the team to be able to put into practice the things we have worked on in training and it’s been great to see the girls exposed in moments throughout the games.
“We’ve been looking at key areas to work and build on. It’s been important to play as many fixtures as possible during the summer to expose the ladies to various challenges and to also ensure those on field player relationships are starting to build.
“We have been hit by a couple of injuries, and looking forward to them players coming back, but it allowed us to be able to bring in some players from the new U18s team.
“As well as our women’s academy players featuring, it’s allowed them the opportunity to play open age football and really established a link with our youth set up.”
Oldham Athletic Women start the new season with three away games, with a trip to AFC Boltonians and Whalley Range following the opener with Mancunian Unity.
Their first home game is against Hyde on 13 October.
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