IN just 38 days, a sense of normality will return to the lives of Warrington Town’s loyal band of followers.

Now the fixtures have been released, the countdown to the 2019/20 season can officially begin as Paul Carden’s side aim to avoid a hangover from last season’s agonising near-miss in their push for promotion.

> Check out Warrington Town's full fixture list here

We’ve picked out five fixtures to look out for as the season progresses.

MORPETH TOWN (H) – SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

There was no way we couldn’t have the opening game in here!

In every season since their promotion to the Northern Premier League’s top flight, Yellows have started with a home fixture – this is now the fourth year in a row Cantilever Park will stage the opening game.

Morpeth Town – a team Yellows have never faced before – will make the long trip down from Northumberland to provide the opposition.

They gained promotion after winning the East Division at a canter last season and will arrive in Cheshire full of confidence.

> Find out more about Yellows' new permanent training base here

FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER (H) – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

The biggest shame about this game is the fact it is on a Tuesday evening.

Had this been scheduled for a Saturday, the size of FC United’s following means Yellows could have had a decent go at pushing for a sell-out.

Still, it’s not too far away so hopes will still be high for a bumper crowd.

The breakaway club formed by disgruntled Manchester United fans soared through the leagues but have fallen on hard times of late, finishing bottom of the National League North to secure their first ever relegation.

They will, however, be up there alongside Town among the favourites for the title this year.

SOUTH SHIELDS (A) – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

Yellows are probably one of the only teams in the competition that may actually relish a trip to Mariners Park.

Both trips there last season resulted in Warrington victories, including a memorable divisional play-off final win that put them on the brink of promotion.

However, South Shields have taken steps to ensure that does not happen again, such as switching to a “hybrid” training model to make them close to being a full-time outfit.

With home crowds regularly verging on 2,000, it is sure to be as tough a trip as ever.

Warrington Guardian:

Celebrations following Town's famous play-off win at South Shields. Picture by John Hopkins

WITTON ALBION (H) – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26

Boxing Day football – don’t we just love it?

Since Witton were promoted to the Premier Division, this date and Easter Monday have been sacrosanct for this fixture.

For the past two seasons, Yellows have been on the road the day after Christmas but this year, it is time for Albion to make the trip.

Those two games at Wincham Park have both seen Town score in injury time to secure 2-1 victories – will this season’s festive feast be just as dramatic?

Warrington Guardian:

Jack Mackreth slides home the winner in last season's Boxing Day clash with Witton Albion. Picture by John Hopkins

ASHTON UNITED (H) – SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Both sides will be hoping the superbly-named “Ikea Derby” ends in a title-winning celebration.

Like FC United, Ashton were relegated last season after a single campaign in the National League North and have ambitions of bouncing straight back.

For Town, it is the culmination of a tricky run-in that sees them face the likes of Scarborough, FC United, South Shields and Basford in the final 10 games.

Warrington Guardian:

Caleb Richards in action for Town at Ashton in 2017. Picture by John Hopkins