The B Team kicks off its Central League challenge with a home game against Notts County tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon.
Andy Taylor’s side faces the Magpies’ second string at Lostock (KO 2pm) at the start of a new-look campaign following the merging of the league’s two groups.
County are one of those to have moved over, while the young Whites will also face Derby, Huddersfield, Mansfield and Rotherham in the league this season, along with newcomers Chesterfield and Stoke City.
“There are some bigger clubs in there and some different challenges and it's just nice to be back in some competitive football,” said Taylor ahead of his first full season as the B Team’s Head Coach.
“We are in the development game, so results aren’t the be-all and end-all as they are at the first-team level. However, we are competitive beasts and you want to play in games that mean a bit more and there are points up for grabs rather than friendlies.
“We've had some good games in pre-season but it's nice that we're now starting to get to the more competitive football.
“It's not first-team football and it's not big crowds and big stadiums but it's a league and everyone wants to look at the league table and see themselves at the top end of it so hopefully we can get off to a good start tomorrow.”
As well as the 10-team Central League, the B Team will also play in the Central League Cup in a group containing Accrington Stanley, Salford, Rotherham and Huddersfield B and arrange a variety of friendly fixtures to supplement their games’ programme.
Admission for supporters to Tuesday’s curtain-raiser is free but spectators are asked to arrive no more than 15 minutes before kick-off and be aware that there is no parking available at the training ground off Ox Hey Lane.