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…

 

Heaton Stannington

Heaton Stannington beat us, rather infamously, in the Northumberland Senior Cup final a few seasons ago at St James’ Park. After promotion from Northern League Division One into NPL East, they’ve not only got a foothold in proceedings but sat comfortably in mid-table, occasionally flirting with the play-off spots. A formidable side and one to be feared by any opponent

Ground name: Grounsell Park

How far from Craik Park: 13.8 miles

Last season: Never in any danger of the drop, Heaton Stan are becoming permanent fixtures in the NPL East. Dependable at home, few relish a trip to heart of Newcastle and that has played a part in their amassing of 14 league wins last season.

Star Player: It’s got to be Dale Pearson, hasn’t it? A free-scoring striker at this level, he banged them in for Dunston UTS then moved to Heaton Stan … and banged in plenty more. One of the established strikers at this level, the former Morpeth Town front man is a hard man to keep off the scoresheet.

 

Bridlington Town

After a relatively recent period of change, following the sale of the club by former owner Pete Smurthwaite in 2024 after 20 years at the helm, Bridlington have settled into NPL East and will feature for the sixth consecutive campaign.

Ground name: Queensgate

How far from Craik Park: 120 miles

Last season: After finishing uncomfortably close to the relegation places in the previous campaign, last season saw a distinct improvement from the Seasiders. Although the top six seemed to stretch away quite ominously, Brid were one of the best of the rest losing just 15 times in 42 games. Impressive stuff as they finished eighth, it’s a marked improvement and one they will hope to build on again this season.

Star Player: Destiny Nnenanya is a leading marksman that is sure to sparkle once again after playing a pivotal role for the club last season despite only joining midway through. Goals are a precious commodity so his, coupled with a relentless workrate, make him a standout player.

 

Garforth Town

Known as the Miners, the Yorkshire outfit hold folklore status in footballing circles for persuading legendary Brazil captain Socrates and world class right back Cafu to feature for them. Albeit brief cameos, it was part of a PR stunt by former owner, and PR guru, Simon Clifford to improve awareness of the club.

Ground name: Bannister Prentice Stadium

How far from Craik Park: 108 miles

Last season: A very solid mid-table finish after promotion the previous year, Garforth weren’t close to the play-offs, but they were miles clear of the relegation places too. That in itself is significant progress, and they will be in a cluster of sides hoping the next step – and a tilt at the play-offs – is within reach.

Star Player: After winning the club’s Players’ Player of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season accolades at the end of last season, commanding centre-back Owen Marshall is sure to be a prominent figure at Garforth.

 

Consett

Another of our former Northern League rivals, Consett made the step up to Step 4 and have their feet firmly established in NPL East. Starting their fifth season at Step 4, Consett will be looking to build on a 10th placed finish that was the highest they’ve achieved in their history.

Ground name: Belle Vue

How far from Craik Park: 28 miles

Last season: A fine 10th placed finish, league games involving Consett saw 140 goals in total, either scored or conceded. Always entertaining, they will be hoping for a stronger play-off push next season as they seek to break free from a congested mid-table area.

Star Player: Isaac Walker is a name known by many in non-league in the North East. After 17 goals and nine assists in just 24 games, injury was the only thing stopping those numbers climbing ever higher.