Alder’s nine wins last year was more than they managed in the previous four seasons combined – now new skipper Rana Saqlain is keen to keep the trend going.

The West Derby side are aiming high under new leadership, and their skipper believes they have what it takes to mount a promotion push.

He said: “I’ve brought in two new players to replace ones we lost last season. 

“They’ll be a big improvement, and we improved last year as well. 

“We won nine games in the season and that was a big improvement on the year before, so hopefully we’re going to do well this season.”

Top-order left-hander Ali Mohsin and leg-spinning all-rounder Ali Hassan arrive to add their talents to former Sefton Park men Greg Harvey and Mark Chappell.

And Saqlain himself took 56 wickets at 11.07 each with his inswingers, including 8/32 to secure a nine-run win over Southport Trinity, defending just 71.

“I will support every player,” he added. “I’ll ask them to go and play the way they like to play, and give them the confidence to play that natural game with no stress or anything. 

“Last year, we played as a team and took the pressure off whether we won or lost.

“I believe in my squad, and the players are in good shape and playing indoors every weekend, so hopefully there will be a big improvement. Everyone is in good nick.”