AIRBUS mark their Welsh Premier League return with a home clash against Bala Town.

The first phase fixtures were announced yesterday with Steve O'Shaughnessy's Airmen set to entertain the Lakesiders on Friday, August 16.

It's a bumper night of action as Cefn Druids make their way to Newtown, reigning champions The New Saints host Caernarfon, Aberystwyth tackle Carmarthen and new boys Penybont face Barry Town United in-front of the television cameras.

Connah's Quay Nomads have to wait until the following afternoon to start their season as Cardiff Met visit the Deeside Stadium.

The action comes thick and fast at the start of the campaign as the second week sees every team play two games across the Bank Holiday.

Cefn Druids go head-to-head with Airbus at The Rock on the Friday as Connah's Quay make their way to Caernarfon.

Sean Eardley's Caernarfon then entertain Druids on the Monday with Airbus heading to Cardiff Met and Connah's Quay playing host to Carmarthen.

The first midweek fixtures see Nomads welcome Druids to the Deeside Stadium and The New Saints tackling Newtown with the two games moved from the weekend before due to Scottish Challenge Cup involvement.

It's a similar case in October as Nomads and Saints swap Saturday, October 12 for Tuesday against Caernarfon and Wednesday versus Airbus, respectively.

The festive fixtures see Airbus meet Connah's Quay at the Airfield on Boxing Day, before the reverse fixture on New Year's Day, while Druids face TNS - the first game coming at The Rock.

The first phase of the season draws to a close on Friday, January 17 with Druids heading to Bala and Airbus visiting Newtown.

Connah's Quay's first clash with TNS comes in Flintshire on Friday, November 1, with the reverse fixture at Park Hall yet to be confirmed at this stage.

Druids, meanwhile, have confirmed the signing of Charley Edge.

Versatile midfielder Edge has represented Wales at youth level after working his way up the ranks at Swansea and Everton prior to joining Colchester United.

The 22-year-old made his debut for the League Two side as a late substitute in the 3-2 loss to Crawley on February 14, 2017.

Edge, who hails from Oswestry, was released by Colchester last year, and has now joined Huw Griffiths’ Ancients.

Druids assistant boss Jayson Starkey said: “He’s a player who myself and Huw have been monitoring over the past season and watched him a number of times.

“Charley can play a number of positions and understands the Druids way and expectations of what it is to be a Cefn Druids player.”

Edge was pleased to put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal at The Rock, adding: “I feel like the club is moving in a good direction, doing things professionally and I’m looking forward to the season and feel like it’ll be a good step in my career.”

And Edge will get the chance to show Colchester what they are missing as Druids entertain the Football League team in a pre-season friendly on July 13.