Hinckley AFC will face three new league opponents and one familiar returnee in Division One this term. Find out more about them…
The league will consist of 20 teams again this season after having just 19 sides last term, with four coming in to replace just three departures: those of champions Heather St John’s, promoted Racing Club Warwick and transferred Littleton
With just under a week to go until the start of the season, here’s a quick look at how the three new sides are shaping up ahead of 2019-20…
Ashby Ivanhoe
Last season: 14th in East Midlands Counties League
Ground: NFU Sports Ground, Lower Packington Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1TS
Distance from Hinckley: 16.4 miles
We’ll meet: 24th August (h), 14th March (a)
AFC record: The sides are yet to meet
Another local derby to add to AFC’s growing list this season, Ashby’s transfer from the East Midlands Counties League adds another Leicestershire side to Division One. They finished 14th in their league last season, picking up 13 wins and 41 points from their 38 games.
GNP Sports
Last season: 2nd in Midland League Division Two
Ground: Sphinx Drive, Coventry, CV3 1WA
Distance from Hinckley: 13.5 miles
We’ll meet: 11th January (a), 15th February (h)
AFC record: The sides are yet to meet
After back-to-back promotions, GNP Sports’ rapid rise up the pyramid sees them join step six for the first time in 2019-20. They finished second, behind Northfield Town, in Division Two last season but were the only side promoted owing to Northfield’s ground not being up to standard. Promotion also meant GNP changing their home venue, with Coventry Sphinx’s Sphinx Drive now their temporary home. AFC’s only previous visit to the ground was a 2-2 draw there four years ago, when Coventry United used it as their home.
Kirby Muxloe
Last season: 19th in United Counties League Premier Division
Ground: Ratby Lane, Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire, LE9 2AQ
Distance from Hinckley: 12.2 miles
We’ll meet: 12th October (h), 7th March (a)
AFC record: The sides are yet to meet
Another Leicestershire addition to the Midland League, Kirby Muxloe were relegated from step five last season having finished second from bottom in the United Counties League Premier Division. That ended a lengthy stay at step five for Kirby, who had one year in the newly-formed Midland League in 2014-15 before being transferred to the United Counties League. They’ll look to bounce back this season under John Lowe and Will Andrew
Stafford Town
Last season: 5th in Staffordshire County League
Ground: Evans Park, Riverway, Stafford, ST16 3TH
Distance from Hinckley: 44.5 miles
We’ll meet: 10th August (a), 26th October (h)
AFC record: Played 8, won 8
The only side to return to the league this season, Stafford Town are back after a one-year absence from Division One. They were relegated, some thought harshly, having finished third bottom two seasons ago but are now back after a 5th place finish in the Staffordshire County League last season. The visit to Evans Park is one that proves popular with supporters – and fans don’t have to wait long with the trip AFC’s first away game of the new season. Hinckley had a perfect record over the Reds over the last four seasons and Courtney Belford’s men will want to continue that run this time around.
