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 3, we look at our very own Morpeth Town, Nantwich Town, Radcliffe, Scarborough Athletic, South Shields and Stafford Rangers.
Morpeth Town – The Highwaymen
Without a hint of bias, Town will be looking to take their end of season form into the start of the new season and will want to be up at the top of the table come the end of the season. Morpeth will want to improve their away record with 6 wins from 15 games on the road last season.
Key Signing – Andrew Johnson
Johnson spent four years at Spennymoor Town following his arrival from Northern League side Ashington. Renowned as a winger with a great eye for goal, he has terrorised defences across various league and gave MK Dons a scare in the FA Cup.
Season Prediction – Title Challengers.
Nantwich Town – The Dabbers
Another side that will want to be at the business end of the table when the season ends and will push for the playoff spots. Their home form was strong last season as they picked up 9 home wins from 14 games. However, on their travels from 17 trips they only returned with maximum points on 6 occasions.
Key Player – Luke Walsh
Having just completed his first full season at the Dabbers, Walsh came through the youth ranks of Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra.
Season Prediction – Playoff Spots.
Radcliffe FC- The Boro
Home form was a strong point for the Boro last season as they remained undefeated in 75% of their home games. However, goals were a problem as they went on to score 34 goals in 32 games which was the second lowest in the league.
Key Signing – Simon Lenighan
Joining the club from Buxton, the former Leeds United prospect will add some steel to the midfield. He brings further experience having played with Halifax Town, Rotherham United and Harrogate Town.
Season Prediction – Lower Midtable.
Scarborough Athletic – The Seadogs
Another side that had a great home record with only 1 home defeat in 17 games; a record that was shared by Morpeth. However, their away record was poor with 12 defeats in 18 games.
Key Signing – Tom Devitt
A familiar name to fans of North East football having previously been with Gateshead and Blyth Spartans in recent seasons.
Season Prediction – Upper Midtable.
South Shields – The Mariners
The Mariners will be wanting to be at the top of the table at the end of the season. They were sitting pretty at the top when the season was abandoned. They will be looking to improve on their home form though as they dropped 18 points at home. However, they were stronger on the road with 36 points from 16 games.
Key Signing – Alex Kempster
The winger signs from York City having netted 10 goals in 34 appearances. Another name familiar to North East football fans having been with Whitley Bay and Spennymoor Town.
Season Prediction – Title Challengers.
Stafford Rangers – Rangers
Languishing at the bottom of the table when the league was abandoned, Rangers will be hoping to have a better season this time round though. However, they will have to score more goals having netted only 29 goals in 33 games. Their home record was ok with 17 of their 23 points coming at Marston Road.
Key Signing – Cieron Keane
The former Republic of Ireland U19 International came through the ranks at Wolves before moving on to Notts County. Joining the club this summer from Basford United following spells with Alfreton Town and Worcester City.
Season Prediction – Relegation Battle.
