TOUGH Malton derbies are among the predictions for the new York Minster Engineering Football League season.

The premier division action kicks off on Tuesday night, with Old Malton St Mary's looking to defend the title they reclaimed a few months ago.

They will be joined in the top flight by old foes Malton & Norton, after their promotion last term, while Brooklyn are another neighbouring team in the mix, after they staved off relegation in their debut season at this level.

The premier division - Step 7 of the football pyramid - comprises 15 teams and Saints are being deemed the team to beat.

Said spokesman Bill Pearce: "St Mary's have been the most consistent club in the league since their first title in 2000/01.

"Their secret is no doubt their ability to defend throughout the team as their goals-against column would imply."

Old Malton - who won the double of league and York FA Saturday Senior Cup last term - will again be managed by the Dunning brothers, Darren and Richard, with the usual back-up from the long-serving Kim Scott.

They have retained the same squad from last season and added Grant Bulmer from Dunnington. They will also be looking for youngsters like Ben Leelman and Harvey Townley to progress.

Malton & Norton looked strong in winning the first division title, with Simon Reeves topping the scoring charts, and manager Warren Greenley has faith in his squad to retain their new-found top-tier status.

Youngsters Ryan Cooper and Zack Hall are looking to make an impression.

Brooklyn have a new manager in Adam Gray, who has been involved with the club for many years at all levels from juniors to seniors.

Added Pearce: "It looks like there will be some keenly fought derby games in the Malton area this season."

Last season's runners-up, Wigginton Grasshoppers, are keen to go one better this term and are keeping faith in the 2015/16 squad.

Manager Graham Ireton says they "will be disappointed if they're not challenging for the title" and, with the assistance of Steve Holt, will hope their passing and attacking style can see them through.

Wiggy have lost James Barrett but have signed the consistent Dale Holding from Heslington.

There is little change in Copmanthorpe's squad with only Danny Leach moving on, having hung up his boots, but coach Simon Wood has lefttoo, taking up the managerial role at Tadcaster Magnets.

Cop have thanked Leach and Wood for their service.

Magnets have the potential to improve having climbed through the divisions in recent years under Mick Wright, who has now retired.

New boss Wood has already signed local lads Sam Farthing and Matthew Howgate and ex-Wetherby Athletic midfielder Brian Blewitt.

Sporting Knavesmire, promoted with Malton & Norton, have also progressed rapidly through the divisions and will be keeping faith in the players that got them to the top tier, most of them having played together since 2010.

Boss John Dale and assistant Ian Wilson will also keep an eye on their juniors at Poppleton to see if they can bring them through.

Added Dale: "The ethos at the club is to always be a team and play football in the correct manner, win, lose or draw."

Long-time Dringhouses managers Andy Barkway and Gary Kitson also promote the development of players and again have many good youngsters to call on.

Jordan Outerbridge, who has been selected for this season's Minster League rep squad, is a key man, while Chris Banks and Liam Robinson are added to the ranks.

Riccall are keen to regain the title they won two seasons ago but, having lost a few players to Northern Counties East League football, it won't be easy. With the experienced Steve Lyon and David Jackson now in charge they are hoping to make new signings.

Church Fenton White Horse also have a new boss in Darren Wilson, the former Tadcaster Albion captain and prolific goalscorer.

He has overseen pre-season games against Garforth Town and believes he has a good mix of experience and youth, boosted by the addition of some newcomers.

F1 Racing, a forward-thinking club under Ian Yeowart, will be continuing their youth policy.

A couple of players have retired but keeper George Bellerby returns and they have recruited youngsters Robbie Caulfield, Harry Preece, Joe Richardson and Solly Tomlin-Kent.

University lads Sam and Alex Martin will also be available again on a regular basis, as is Jon Giordano, back from a spell in Surrey.

Matty Wain steps down as Dunnington boss after six successful seasons but assistant Lean Sacks, a Level 2 coach and York College PE teacher, will hope for an easy transition after taking the reins.

He will be assisted by Richard Allman and they will again seek trophies having won all the major honours in recent years.

Sampson Wildwood, scorer of 22 goals for the reserves last season, will be looking to make an impact at first-grade level.

Huntington Rovers were in the title race in the first half of last season before fading.

Former York City, Peterborough and Huddersfield Town forward Iain Dunn is again in charge and will look to put that right.

Dunn says Rovers have had a huge turnaround in players with some youngsters coming in and, after a season getting used to the demands of the premier division, could push on again both this term and in future years.

York RI and Osbaldwick have new managers in Nathan Malarkey and Chris Smith respectively.

Early-season premier tier fixtures take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with the other divisions kicking off in September.