MIDDLEWICH Town are looking in fine form for the new season - after manager Terry Murphy signed centre forward David Dale from close league rivals Barnton.

The opening fixture of the season is away at Poynton on Saturday and Murphy is confident his side will perform well from the off, after a strong pre-season.

The arrival of Dale is not the only new addition to Murphy's squad.

Striker Rob Hopley has come on board and midfielder John Hurst has risen from the reserves to take a first team place.

Comenting on the Poynton match, Murphy said: "We're looking good pre-season, but it's all about the way you start. We want to start with a win. The players are looking fit and up for it.

"We are going to Poynton with confidence. We've played very well and my problem is who to pick. We've got a tough start but we'll be okay."

Commenting on the arrival of Dale, Murphy said: "I used to manage him when I was at Barnton and he's come back and said he'd like to play for me again - so I signed him up."