Despite admitting his side have little time to prepare for their pre-season fixtures, Paul McGuire is hoping Radcliffe Borough can begin the new season on a high, starting with a friendly against David Flitcroft’s Bury.

The Evo-Stik Division One North side open their campaign against the Shakers at Stainton Park next Wednesday, in what has become a traditional curtain-raiser.

McGuire is expecting a large crowd to be in attendance for the club’s annual fixture against their League Two neighbours, and is hoping his side can put on a decent show.

“To be honest, we haven’t got much time to prepare for such a big game like Bury, so it’s going to be interesting,” said McGuire.

“It has come quite early in the pre-season campaign for us but obviously it’s about fitness and not so much about the result, but we still want to put in a good performance.”

McGuire is aware of the threat the Shakers pose and is a big admirer of the club and its manager.

“Bury play good football, have a good stadium and a great fan base,” he said.

“You always expect David Flitcroft’s teams to be well organised and well disciplined, and this friendly will be no different.

“If Radcliffe could get anywhere near the standard they are playing at, we would be thrilled.

“It will be good game for us to gauge where some of our lads are up to.”

In a classic game of two halves, Bury came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in last year’s friendly after Boro had led 1-0 at half time, and McGuire is hoping for another tight encounter this time around.

“We tend to do quite well in the first half of the game, stick with them and perform quite well, but then their strength in depth normally shines through in the second half as our lads tire.

“Make no mistake I want us to go out there and win the game and I will be encouraging the lads to do just that, but a respectable defeat will do us no harm.”

Boro have managed to keep hold of most of their key players from last season, but former Salford City striker Bradley Robinson, has joined Premier Division side Ashton United.

“It’s a bit of a shame that Brad has gone because he was a vibrant player for us, but I think he was looking for a new challenge,” added McGuire.

“He was in and out of the team towards the back end of last season because we brought in Elliot Rokka in his position, so Brad was sometimes left on the bench.”

Boro, who started pre-season training last weekend, play West Lancashire League amateur side Eagley on Saturday before the visit of Bury.

“We are hoping that a game will get a bit of rust out of our legs,” said McGuire.