THE James Cropper Westmorland Football League returns on August 18.

Penrith based Carleton Banks, who gained promotion from Division Two at the end of last season, have resigned from the league after not having enough players for the new season. The team's departure brings an end to their five year association with the division.

The league welcome Staveley United Reserves and Wetherigg United Reserves into Division Three.

Keswick will begin the defence of their Division One title with a home game against Kirkoswald on the Saturday before they travel to play Windermere on Tuesday night.

Treble cup winners Appleby are on the road for their first two games where they face Penrith Reserve followed up by a midweek trip to Sedbergh Wanderers.

Endmoor have two home games against Wetheriggs United and Ibis.

In the other games newly-promoted Castletown United are away to Shap while Wetheriggs United and Kirkoswald are also in action.

Division Two promises to be fiercely competitive as Ibis Reserves and Kirkby Stephen entered the division after being promoted from Division Three.

This will also be a first season for both Ambleside United and Kendal County Reserve who were relegated from Division One.

One of the stand out games in the league will see Kendal United Reserve entertain Ibis Reserve on August 22.

Kirkby Stephen play two games in quick succession where they play Eden Thistle away before a midweek home game against Appleby Reserve.

Ambleside travel to Staveley United, Dent will play AFC Carlisle before a midweek game against Kendal County Reserve. Greystoke entertain Kendal United Reserve while Windermere Reserve play host to Keswick Reserve.

In Division Three Staveley United Reserve will play Braithwaite followed up by Sedbergh Wanderer Reserves while Wetherigg United Reserves play two home games against Ullswater United and Langwathby United.