As the season draws ever closer, we’re taking a brief look at those we will be facing in the new campaign.
Despite relegation, a return to the NPL East Division provides new challenges, new venues, and fresh priorities on the pitch as we seek a return to Step Three.
Split into four articles, let’s dive in and find out who we’re facing and what lies ahead…
Matlock Town
The Gladiators had enjoyed a decent spell in Step Three prior to relegation the season before last. Boasting, arguably, one of the most scenic grounds in the country, they’ve got ambitions that are just as, potentially, scenic!
Ground name: Proctor Cars Stadium (known as the Causeway more commonly)
How far from Craik Park: 170 miles (one of our longest of the campaign)
Last season: Play-off heartbreak probably best sums it up. After runaway champions Redcar Athletic refused to give their rivals even so much of a sniff of the title, Matlock, who finished second, needed to go through the gauntlet of the play-offs but fell at the first hurdle, losing 2-1 to Bradford Park Avenue at home. After sacking manager Adam Clayton, then re-instating him soon after, the club swiftly dispensed with his services yet again when automatic promotion was officially out of reach.
The drama hasn’t stopped there though, with new manager (over the summer) Graham Drury leaving before managing a single game with his replacement another former Gladiators boss in Ryan Cresswell.
Star Player: Although he was at Gainsborough Trinity last season, Matlock have done superbly to secure the services of striker Jonny Margetts. An out-and-out goalscorer, Margetts struggled at Trinity but will be hoping to get back on the goal trail this season. His quality suggests he will.
Dunston UTS
Attempting to shrug off the bridesmaid tag, Dunston are once again going to be fancied for at least the play-offs this time around. Arguably not the kind of experience they want to amass, perennial play-off contenders can be a good thing, but only if you put it to use and get over the line. They’ve got experience and quality coursing through their side, with former Morpeth man Nic Bollado now looking to make an impact in blue instead of amber and black.
Ground name: The UTS Stadium
How far from Craik Park: 18 miles
Last season: A very unfortunate case of ‘same old same old’, Dunston failed to claim promotion as the play-offs bit them once again. Dunston have been brilliantly strong in recent seasons at Step Three and finished fourth during the regulation season. But defeat in the semi-finals of the play-offs, to eventual winners Emley, meant their campaign came to an end earlier than former Morpeth coach and current Dunston boss Jon McDonald would have liked. They’ll need to pick themselves up but McDonald will know from experience just how to get them going once more.
Star Player: There’s a few to choose from in this side but JJ O’Donnell is a touch of class in midfield. Having a midfield that dominates is essential in the NPL East and this one certainly looks well stocked.
Bradford Park Avenue
A side who beat Morpeth Town last season, in the FA Trophy, will fancy their chances of promotion this time around. They’ve signed plenty, and signed quality, which makes them an obvious candidate to go one further than last season and secure automatic promotion.
Ground name: Horsfall Stadium
How far from Craik Park: 130 miles
Last season: Falling as close as you can get to the finish line, BPA made the play-off final and it went all the way to penalties before Emley eventually secured promotion. A difficult one to stomach, Park Avenue lost just nine times last season but 12 draws proved undermining to their chances.
Star Player: Scott Duxbury is the right kind of player when you’re wanting characters in the dressing room. Committed, hard working, and with real quality, the defender will do well in Step 4, make no mistake.
Pontefract Collieries
Pontefract pitched up narrowly outside the play-off spots. Only two sides scored more than their impressive 76-goal haul in the league but their undoing was their 62 goals conceded – only one team in the top 12 conceded more than Collieries. It certainly makes for entertaining football!
Ground name: The Hunters Stadium
How far from Craik Park: 117 miles
Last season: A season with plenty of goals, supporters can’t say they weren’t entertained. Ultimately it wasn’t enough as they slipped out of the play-off spots and couldn’t regain their position in time, finishing a point shy despite a final day win at Dunston.
Star Player: Joe Lumsden is a seasoned striker who regularly chips in with his fair share of goals. An important player in a side looking to take that next step.
