Keighley coach Keith Dixon is pleased with his team’s preparation ahead of their debut campaign in the Premier Division of the Pennine League.

The Rose Cottage amateur outfit won the Champ-ionship last season, pipping West Bowling courtesy of a better head-to-head record.

They now open their campaign on Saturday (2.30pm) at home to Wibsey and Dixon hopes his side can get off to a flier.

“Our preparation’s gone well and as a team we’re fully focused on the game against Wibsey,” said Dixon. “The lads are pleased to have a home start. We know it’s a game we can win and we’re really hoping to hit the ground running.

“We’re under no illusions. We’re the new boys and everyone’s going to try and take points off us at home but hopefully they’re in for a rude awakening.

“Ever since the merger (between Keighley Albion, Keighley Town and Cougar Cubs) we’re getting strong-er each year.

“But we’re realistic with our targets. We don’t want to be a yo-yo side and we want to consolidate our position in the league and just finish as high as we possibly can.”

Dixon also revealed that Keighley have had a mixed summer in terms of recruitment but hopes to get more players on board.

He said: “We’ve tried to get as many new faces as possible down but we’ve lost a few of our guys to Sildsen because they can’t commit to the Premier Division.

“We’re looking to get a few Cougars under-20s players in after their season finishes.

“We’ve already brought Luke Moorby in from there, who played with us last season, so hopefully it’ll have a snowball effect and more players will come.”

Meanwhile, Dixon is also hoping to attract more numbers for the club’s second-team outfit ahead of their first campaign.

Keighley train at Rose Cottage every Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30-8pm and all are welcome.

Worth Valley are due to start their season at Ryhill Hammers in Division Six on Saturday, while Silsden and Cowling Harlequins begin their campaigns a week later.