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 1, we look at Ashton United, Atherton Collieries, Bamber Bridge, Basford United, Buxton and FC United of Manchester.
Ashton United – The Robins
The Robins have been buoyed this summer having retained the services of their top goal scorer from last season Josh Wilson. The 31-year-old will look to score more goals this season, the one criticism to be levelled at Ashton United from last season was their lack of goals netting 40 in 29 league games.
Key Signing – Jake Cottrell
The former Chorley midfielder has joined over the summer and will look to bring his experience from playing in the National League with Chorley.
Season Prediction – Lower Midtable.
Atherton Collieries – The Colls
It was a tough season for the Colls who toiled at the wrong end of the table for the season. For a better showing this time round, their away record will need to improve. On their travels, Atherton only collected 9 points from 13 away games. The loss of Tom Bentham will also hit them hard.
Key Signing – Marcus Cusani
A player known to Morpeth fans who has made an impression when he has appeared against them. Most notably, he netted the free kick at Craik Park that knocked Morpeth out of the FA Cup when playing for Ashton Athletic.
Season Prediction – Relegation Battle.
Bamber Bridge – The Brig
One of a number of sides who boasted a strong home record especially when it came to scoring goals with 35 of their 53 goals coming at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium. Unfortunately, their away record with 18 goals in 16 games kept the side just below midtable.
Key Player – Alistair Waddecar
Top scorer for Bamber Bridge last season but he will likely miss the start of the season as he awaits surgery on a hernia injury.
Season Prediction – Lower Midtable.
Basford United – The Lions
Basford were very solid throughout the 2019/20 season A side that didn’t score many goals but also didn’t concede many goals either. Manager, Steve Chettle built his side around the defence and they ended the season having conceded the 2nd fewest goals in the season.
Key Signing – Alex Howes
A summer signing from Coalville Town, Howes broke into the Notts County first team when he was only 16 years old.
Season Prediction – Upper Midtable
Buxton – The Bucks
Buxton rattled in an impressive 56 goals in 32 games with only 4 sides managing to score more goals. At the other end of the pitch, Buxton had problems conceding 52 goals. The club have made moves in the off season though signing several high-profile players including 3 from league rivals Scarborough.
Key Player – Reece Styche
The much-travelled striker who has 7 international caps with Gibraltar has joined the club following a short spell at Bromsgrove Sporting. Styche has also appeared in the football league for Forest Green Rovers and has appeared for the England ‘C’ team.
Season Prediction – Playoff Spots.
FC United of Manchester
United were the closest challengers to South Shields when the season was abandoned in March and they will be looking to be challenging for the title again this season. Their biggest strength from last season was undoubtedly their goalscoring as they led the league with 73 goals in 32 games. Unfortunately, their star man, Tunde Olowabi has left the club to join Hamilton Academicals in the Scottish Premier League.
Key Player – Regan Linney
The pressure will be on Linney to take over the goalscoring exploits of Olowabi in the coming season. Linney had an impressive 2019/20 season with 12 goals in 42 games in all competitions.
Season Prediction – Title Challengers.
