Huddersfield's newest football club kick off the West Riding County Amateur League season in good spirits tonight.

DRAM Community FC, formed by the merger of former District League teams Moldgreen and Dalton Crusaders, head to Wakefield by take on Thornes.

The Second Division clash (6.15) has been brought forward by 24 hours, with the league’s other clubs playing tomorrow.

“We’re looking forward to it,” said spokesman Chris Haigh. “We’re not exactly sure what to expect, but the early signs have been good.

“While most of our players are used to the District League, we’ve played quite a few County Amateur sides in pre-season and done well.

“We beat (defending WRCAL champions) Bay Athletic 2-1, Lower Hopton Reserves 5-1 and Lepton Highlanders 5-0.

“I know competitive football will be different, but those games have given us confidence and we’re hoping to mount a challenge.”

Haigh continued: “We’ve had the idea of making better use of the facilities at the DRAM Centre for a while now.

“It’s used for rugby, but there was scope for a football team there, and Moldgreen and Dalton Crusaders were playing side by side in the District League.

“We just thought it would be good to join forces and try to play at a higher level from the DRAM Centre.”

Huddersfield boasted all three champions sides in the WRCAL last season, with Bay’s second string winning Division II.

Huddersfield YMCA claimed the First Division crown and start life in the top flight with a tough trip to Ovenden WR tomorrow.

Bay are in derby action against Storthes Hall at Warrenside while Kirkburton come up against Lepton in another neighbourly showdown.

Golcar United are at home to Halifax Irish.

Marsden have pulled out of the WRCAL but will continue to field a team in the Huddersfield Works League.