After losing the league’s last two unbeaten records on Tuesday, Hinckley AFC and Belper United go head-to-head on Saturday looking to continue their otherwise impressive starts to the season.
AFC and the Greens both tasted defeat for the first time in midweek. In Hinckley’s case, the loss to Birstall was their first in 13 matches.
Manager Courtney Belford said that was tough to take after feeling his side dominated the game – but is looking forward to putting that right when welcoming Belper.
He said: “It should be a fantastic game, and it’s one we’ve looked forward to. It’ll be a measuring stick for us to look at. Like us, they’ve got aspirations to get out of the league.
“We watched them on Tuesday so we know their threats, and we’ll plan as best we can and hopefully can take all three points.”
The defeat leaves AFC ninth after six games.
Meanwhile, United are third in the table having won five of their first six games this season.
Blackstones, Clifton All Whites, Lutterworth Athletic, Ingles, St Andrews and Kimberley Miners Welfare all fell to the Greens. That included 5-0 wins over Lutterworth and the otherwise-unbeaten St Andrews.
But, like AFC, they fell to a first defeat of the season on Tuesday when they went down 2-1 to leaders Kimberley Miners Welfare.
Jack Tyson leads the way in front of goal with six while ex-Hinckley forward Richard Hanslow has contributed three.
But it has been at the back where they, like Hinckley, have impressed so far.
Just five goals conceded each mean they share the league’s joint-best defensive record.
Kick off at St John’s Park is 3pm.
Adults: £6
Concessions: £4
Under 16s: £2 (FRRE with HAFC Junior membership card)