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
The biggest weakness from Trinity last season was their early season form which left them a lot of work to do in order to pull away from the relegation zone. However, they buckled down and only 2 defeats in their final 10 games brought the club into midtable.
Key Signing – Martyn Woolford
The 34 year-old striker joins the club and will lead the forward line for the Holy Blues. An experienced striker with a wealth of experience and can count on Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Sheffield United amongst his former clubs.
Season Prediction – Upper Midtable.
Grantham Town – The Gingerbreads
The strength of the side last season was their home form which ensured that they managed to be out of the relegation zone at the finish of the season. However, their away record was atrocious and failed to win a single away game. They also shipped a league high of 71 goals.
Key Signing – Ashley Worsfold
Released by Basford United at the end of the season following a midseason move from Gainsborough Trinity. In his time with Trinity, he netted 53 goals in 143 games which highlights the pedigree of the striker.
Season Prediction – Relegation Battle.
Hyde United – The Tigers
Just about the definition of consistency, the Tigers ended the season in 10th place and with a goal difference of zero. Like the majority of sides, their home form was better than their away form but it will need to be even stronger to move into the playoff spots.
Key Signing – Kingsley James
Another player who has left Gainsborough Trinity to join another side in the league. A vastly experienced player who was Sheffield United youth captain before moving on to spells with Port Vale and Hereford.
Season Prediction – Upper Midtable.
Lancaster City – The Dolly Blues
A side who boasted more wins on their travels than at the Giant Axe stadium, they also netted 34 away goals which makes it a tough ask for any side to beat them. However, they’ll point to too many home draws that stopped them challenging for the title.
Key Signing – Andrew Teague
Teague rejoins the club, 10 years after leaving Lancaster to join Chorley. A defensive player that will add a bit of squad depth to the side following 390 games at Chorley.
Season Prediction – Playoffs Spots.
Matlock Town – The Gladiators
It was a disappointing season for the Gladiators as they ended the season just outside the relegation zone. Their strength throughout the season was their defensive performances on the way to conceding 43 goals in 28 games. However, on the attack they lacked the fire power to be higher up the table. They’ve been busy in the off-season with 16 new signings.
Key Signing – Nathan Valentine
The striker spent the back end of last season on loan at Matlock from Stalybridge Celtic. He offers plenty of experience at this level having also appeared for Scarborough.
Season Prediction – Lower Midtable.
Mickleover Sports – The Sports
Another side with a better away record than at home, it was these performances on the road that steered the club clear of any relegation worries. However, they’ll need to ensure their home performances match those away from home to finish higher in the table.
Key Signing – Jake Bennett
A former Sports player who featured for the club between 2014 and 2016 before making the switch to Sheffield United. Since then, he has appeared for Alfreton Town and Chesterfield.
Season Prediction – Lower Midtable.
