One of our Media Team, Sam Donovan previews the forthcoming Northern Premier League Premier Division by looking at the clubs in the league.
In Part 2, we look at Gainsborough Trinity, Grantham Town, Hyde United, Lancaster City, Matlock Town and Mickleover Sports
Gainsborough Trinity – The Holy Blues
A settled start to the 2020/21 season saw Gainsborough sitting in midtable with 4 wins and 4 defeats from their opening 8 games. They’ll look to add a few more wins to their start this season.
Key Signing – Joao Antonio Soares Angel
The attacking midfielder has joined up with Trinity after leaving Portuguese side Nogueirense.
Season Prediction – Upper Midtable.
Grantham Town – The Gingerbreads
It could be another tough season for the Gingerbreads after going winless in the opening 8 games of last season and only scoring 5 goals. The fans will hope they can make a better start and get a win on the board early on.
Key Signing – Nathan Modest
The 29 year old striker scored 20 goals in 33 games for Bridlington Town in the last full season before COVID. He’s also spent time in the North East with Darlington after coming through the academy at Sheffield Wednesday.
Season Prediction – Relegation Battle.
Hyde United – The Tigers
Hyde will hope that the absence of Paddy Lane who has moved into League 1 with Fleetwood Town will not offset another solid campaign. A very organised outfit who don’t concede many goals, they should finish comfortably in midtable.
Key Player – Tom Pratt
The Tigers’ captain has signed on for another season at Ewen Fields. He has 42 goals in 127 games for the side after joining in 2017 from Trafford.
Season Prediction – Upper Midtable.
Lancaster City – The Dolly Blues
The Dolly Blues will want to turn draws into wins as the last couple of seasons has seen a number of draws that have held up any title challenges in the last two seasons. They will hope that Giant Axe remains a fortress whilst improving their form on the road.
Key Signing – Ryan Graham
The young right back joins the club from Accrington Stanley and will look to cement his place in the team.
Season Prediction – Upper Midtable.
Matlock Town – The Gladiators
A strong start to last season, saw Matlock in the upper reaches of the league table with 4 wins in their opening 6 games. A solid defence saw the side only concede 4 goals in those games and fans will hope the same applies this season.
Key Signing – Lirak Hasani
The young midfielder was on loan at Gateshead last season before the season was cut short and he joins the Gladiators from Donacaster Rovers on loan for the season.
Season Prediction – Lower Midtable.
Mickleover F.C.
The table toppers when the season was curtailed, Mickleover will hope they start the season on the front foot. They notched up 7 wins from their opening 10 games and scored 23 goals in the process. It is a tough opening this time round, with South Shields away on the opening day of the season.
Key Player – Stuart Beavon
The goals of Stuart Beavon who has been prolific at many of his previous clubs will be what the fans will hope can continue with Micklevoer this season. Scoring 10 goals last season of the 23 scored by the club before the season was cut short.
Season Prediction – Lower Midtable.
