THIS afternoon marks the return of the Swindon and District League, with Swindon Spitfires and Tawny Owl looking to impress in the up and coming campaign.

Swindon Spitfires clinched the Division One title despite losing 1-0 to eventual runners-up Swindon Centurians on the final day of last season.

They will hope to get their season off the mark at the first attempt when they host North Swindon WMC on Saturday.

“We are just about ready. I’ve been trying to get everything organised for Saturday and I think we are just about there,” said manager Barry Winslow.

“It would be nice to be up towards the top of the table again but I don’t know – there are a few better teams in the league this year.

“Tawny Owl will be a good side and there are a few others in there who are a bit unknown at the moment.

“I’m feeling confident. We’ve had a few games and we have played well. The goals are coming.”

Meanwhile, Tawny Owl sealed their Premier Division title in a much more comfortable fashion, winning all 16 of their league fixtures to achieve a perfect 48 points.

Owl will kick their season off at home against Deers Leap this afternoon.

The Swindon Sunday League also kicks off this weekend as FC Walcot host Penhill United and AFC Gas will welcome Jovial Monk in Division One.

In Division Two, Fairford Town Sunday travel to DH Fitness, meanwhile Wanborough and Woodlands Edge both start off at home as they face Chilli Shak and Cleeve Tech.

Eldene will play Moovahome in Division Three along with Purton Freshbrook, who play AFC Cricklade, and Stratton Saints host Croft Junior.

Gorsehill Borough, Athletico Marlborough and Rudis are all on the road in the Division Four curtain-raisers, making their way to Coleshill Youth, Smart Movers and Swindon Athletic respectively.

Division Five will see Northern Lights clash with Swindon Rovers, Paxton House United will play Highworth Town Sunday while Cricklade Park Rangers and Purton Red House will face Save on Tyres Athletic and Sevenfields United.

  • News from the opening weekend of action in the Swindon & District and Swindon Sunday League in Tuesday’s Swindon Advertiser