Hinckley AFC will face a host of new teams in 2022/23 as we prepare for life back in the Midland League Division One. Here’s a lowdown on those sides from Staffordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
AFC Bridgnorth
Home colours: Royal blue
Last season: 14th (36 games, 35 points)
Ground: Crown Meadow, Innage Lane, Bridgnorth, WV16 4HS
Distance from Hinckley: 57.9 miles
We’ll meet: 3rd December (a), 1st April (h)
Only relegated Dudley Sports scored fewer and conceded more goals than Bridgnorth last year but they took momentum into the summer finishing last season three games unbeaten, including holding play-off finalists Stapenhill to a 1-1 draw. They have had some turbulence over the summer with new manager Dave Downing leaving the club after just one pre-season friendly, with Jason Pike now taking on a player/manager role.
Coton Green
Home colours: Red
Last season: 2nd in Midland League Division Two (promoted)
Ground: New Mill Lane, Fazeley, Tamworth, B78 3RX
Distance from Hinckley: 16.1 miles
We’ll meet: 3rd October (h), 21st January (a)
A relatively local match to look forward to, Tamworth-based Coton Green finished second to Cadbury Athletic in Division Two last season and earned promotion with Cadbury not applying. They won 17 of their 28 games, with ex-AFC forward Chris Lloyd ending the campaign there. They’ve since bolstered their front line with the signing of another former Hinckley man, Matt Gardner.
Droitwich Spa
Home colours: Red and black stripes
Last season: 1st in West Midlands (Regional) League (promoted)
Ground: King George V Playing Fields, Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre, Briar Mill, Droitwich Spa, WR9 0RZ
Distance from Hinckley: 52.7 miles
We’ll meet: 26th November (h), 4th February (a)
Droitwich pipped Gornal Athletic to the West Midlands (Regional) League title last season to earn their spot at step six, as ex-Bromsgrove front man Connor Collins hit 30 goals. They played their home games at Stourport Swifts last season while their King George V home was refurbished, but they’ll be back there in time for 2022/23.
Haughmond
Home colours: White
Last season: 19th in Midland League Premier Division (relegated)
Ground: Sundorne Sports Village, Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 4RQ
Distance from Hinckley: 64 miles
We’ll meet: 10th September (h), 18th February (a)
Two sides had worse defences in the Premier Division than Haughmond last season and they only scored four fewer goals than AFC Wulfrunians, who finished fifth, but ultimately the Shrewsbury-based side ended the season at the foot of the table with 23 points from their 36 games. 11-goal Scott Ryan was their leading marksman last year and has signed on again for 2022/23.
Shawbury United
Home colours: Black and white stripes
Last season: 18th in Midland League Division One
Ground: Ludlow Football Stadium, Bromfield Road, Ludlow, SY8 2BN
Distance from Hinckley: 83.4 miles
We’ll meet: 17th September (h), 4th March (a)
A run of ten without a win to end the season meant Shawbury finished second from bottom. They also struggled towards the start, going eight games until their first victory, with all seven of their league wins coming in a stronger middle part of the season. Seth Ellis netted an important club-high of 12 goals.
