Between now and the start of the season, we’ll introduce our new opponents in this season’s United Counties League Division One.
Today, the focus is on the sides from Derbyshire and Lincolnshire who will feature in the division this coming campaign – all of whom will be brand new opponents to us.
Belper United
Home colours: Green and black
Last season: 3rd in East Midlands Counties League (13 matches, 25 points). Belper had an excellent campaign last time out and, until failing to win any of their last three games, were up there challenging the leaders. After losing on the opening day, they won eight out of their next nine – only losing to a Sherwood Colliery side who won every game – until their dip in form before the curtailment. With 36 goals in 13 games, they were the league’s leading scorers. Richard Hanslow – who played three games for Hinckley in 2018 – was their leading marksman.
Ground: Raygar Stadium, Bridge Street, Belper, DE56 1BA
Distance from Hinckley: 47.8 miles
We’ll meet: 4th September (h), 19th February (a)
Blackstones
Home colours: Green and black
Last season: 6th in United Counties League Division One (12 matches, 20 points). Blackstones won their last three games before curtailment scoring 13 goals in them, that propelled them up to sixth when the season was cut short. But they failed to score in three of their previous four, and finished seventh in the season before. They’re under new management for this season.
Ground: Lincoln Road, Stamford, PE9 1UU
Distance from Hinckley: 47.5 miles
We’ll meet: 30th October (h), 23rd April (a)
Borrowash Victoria
Home colours: Red and white
Last season: 18th in East Midlands Counties League (11 matches, 8 points). Borrowash had a difficult start before the curtailment but an impressive 3-1 win over Teversal lifted them away from the bottom two places in the division before lockdown.
Ground: Anderson Electrical Arena, Borrowash Road, Spondon, Derby, DE21 7PH
Distance from Hinckley: 38.1 miles
We’ll meet: 23rd October (a), 4th December (h)
Bourne Town
Home colours: Claret and blue
Last season: 16th in United Counties League Division One (9 matches, 9 points). Bourne actually picked up 12 points last season but a three-point deduction meant they were 16th when it was cut short. Their wins included a fine victory at promoted Melton Town. They’re now under new management after the departure of the former Lincoln City winger Nathan Arnold in May.
Ground: Abbey Road, Bourne, PE10 9EP
Distance from Hinckley: 57.6 miles
We’ll meet: 21st August (a), 12th March (h)
Graham Street Prims
Home colours: Red and white
Last season: 17th in East Midlands Counties League (9 matches, 8 points). Contrary to much of the East Midlands Counties League, Prims matches weren’t especially goal-filled – and while they only scored seven goals in nine games last season, their defensive record was among the best of the sides towards the bottom. They held league leaders Ollerton to a goalless draw and kept clean sheets in a third of their matches.
Ground: The Fred Harding Ground, Borrowash Road, Spondon, Derby, DE21 7PH
Distance from Hinckley: 38.1 miles
We’ll meet: 27th November (a), 15th January (h)
Harrowby United
Home colours: Blue
Last season: 5th in United Counties League Division One (10 matches, 23 points). The Arrows won seven of their ten league games in an impressive start before lockdown. Their only defeat came against St Andrews in their second match, leading to an eight-match unbeaten league run. A win against promoted Bugbrooke St Michael was particularly impressive and they have made series of signings from higher levels.
Ground: Dickens Road, Grantham, NG31 9QY
Distance from Hinckley: 55.1 miles
We’ll meet: 9th October (a), 26th February (h)
