WARRINGTON Town boss Stuart Mellish has called on the town to turn out and support his side for the “biggest game in their history” when they open a new season at home to Stourbridge on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

The Yellows are about to embark on their first season in the Northern Premier League’s top flight after a record-breaking campaign last time out saw them win promotion from First Division North.

The final game at Cantilever Park was a 6-1 victory over Prescot that sealed the title, a game watched by more than 1,400 people.

Saturday’s crowd is unlikely to hit those sort of numbers, but Mellish is hopeful the town’s football fans will turn out in their droves to support his team.

“We can only hope the people of Warrington come out and get behind the team,” he said.

“It’s the biggest game in our history and the start of the most important season in our history so we need all the support we can get.

“Our fans have been superb, and we’re forever grateful for the support we receive. But the more people who are in that ground cheering us on, the merrier.”

Several players, including popular winger Chris Gahgan, have left this summer but plenty of new faces have arrived.

Many starred in their final pre-season outing last weekend, a 5-1 home victory over VCD Athletic.

Last season’s top scorer Ciaran Kilheeney scored twice, while recent re-signing Scott Metcalfe was also on the scoresheet in the win over the London-based Ryman League outfit.

Mellish says the performance was much more important than the result and says he is happy with how pre-season has gone on the whole.

“It’s always nice to end with a good performance and scoring a few goals but we don’t want to pay too much attention to the result,” he said.

“What we’re concerned about is how the players are gelling as a team and that is what pleased me the most about Saturday.

“The lads have responded brilliantly since we came back, they’ve taken everything on board and have bought into everything we’re trying to do this season.

“It’s been a positive experience for everyone and we’re excited to get going for real now.”

New signings include defender Andrew Nicholas, midfielders Mike Grogan, Scott Harries and Sean Clancy and striker James Dean, with all five set to for their league debuts against Stourbridge.

The Glassboys travel to Warrington this weekend looking to go one better than last season having just missed out on the play-offs by finishing sixth.

Mellish believes they will be one of the sides to beat this season but is confident his side can also challenge at the right end of the table.

“It’s a tough start for us, I know Stourbridge have lost a few players from last season but they’ve signed some excellent players in their place,” he said.

“They will be up there this season along with the likes of Blyth Spartans and Workington, they are always contenders.

“Teams like Ashton United and Nantwich Town are solid outfits as well, the league is of real high quality this year.

“We believe we’ve got a squad to match teams like that and we’re confident we can challenge them at the business end of the season.”