DYNAMO Dudley will open the their defence of the Beacon Sunday Football League championship trophy with a home fixture against Old Cross Athletic on September 3.

The former lifted the new look Redbox Signmakers Beacn Championship by just a point from Bushbury EMB Rovers last term, whereas Old Cross finished fifth after losing just two of their 15-match programme. Bushbury, who will be looking to go one better, entertain newcomers New Gate Inn.

Last season the Beacon league's re-shaped format saw all member clubs playing each other once for the main league crown.

"It proved a good move and we will start the 2017/18 season with an increase in membership, with 18 teams kicking off on day one of the new campaign," said league press officer Dave McLean.

Once again, on completion of league fixtures around Christmas time, all teams will go on to contest various cup competitions, some which include group qualifiers, and a straight knockout (the NDT Midlands sponsored Lester Charity Cup).

The full Beacon League opening day fixture card on September 3 is: AFC Sporting Gornal v The Shed, AFC Vale v Shere Punjab Wolverhampton, Black Country Fusion v FC Premier 2008, Black Country Rangers v AFC Pensnett Panthers, Bushbury EMB Rovers v New Gate Inn, Claregate Park Rangers v AFC Springfield, Codsall Station v Penn Rovers, Dynamo Dudley v Old Cross Athletic, Sandwell Action v Wyrley Juniors Reserves.