Penwortham are looking to gel ahead of league season start

It's been a slightly strange way to start the summer, but Penwortham skipper Robbie Sumner reckons opening up the season with cup games has been a blessing in disguise for his team.

- 

Over the past month, clubs in the Northern League have been concentrating on the pink-ball 40-over-per-side format before the red-ball league season starts in earnest at the end of this month.

Having been promoted to the newly-formed Northern League Division Two from the Palace Shield, Pen’s main aim is one of consolidation this year.