Boro boss Kelly expects tricky opener at Atherton

The Manchester-based team may have been struggling near the foot of the league table when the Covid-19 pandemic halted play in March, but Kelly is aware of the problems Atherton pose.

Kelly said: “It is a very tough place to go and their pitch is on a slope.

“They are a good club and like every team they will be fired up for the first league game of the season and will raise their levels, but I have belief in all of my players and they will give their all.

“A lot of teams may be setting targets and goals for the season, but I prefer to concentrate on the fact I have full belief in my players and that they will do their best in every game for the club.

“Psychologically they are fully prepared for the game on Saturday.”

Kelly was quick to praise the support provided to him by the club’s board during what has been a tough summer for the sport at all levels due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions that it brings.

He said: “I would like to go on record as saying the club’s board have been amazing and supportive.

“In such difficult times they have worked tirelessly to try and keep the club going by constantly raising funds.”

Kelly also admitted that he is still looking for new recruits for his squad ahead of the kick-off of the new league campaign.

The manager added: “We are being very pro-active and are still looking for another player or two, hopefully we will have these deals done before the weekend.”

Boro head into the season in good form having battled their way back from 2-0 down to claim a fine 3-2 success against National North outfit Darlington on Saturday.