Two of last season’s beaten play-off finalists go head-to-head in the second week of the new season as Hinckley AFC welcome Stapenhill to Kirkby Road on Saturday.
The two sides were narrowly edged out of promotion to step five last term as both were beaten in their one-off finals.
Now back in the same division, the two sides meet with just a pair of competitive games under their belts this term.
Manager Joe Conneely says they’ll be strong again after the disappointment of last season.
He said: “We expect them to be up there again this year. But it will always be tough for any side, this is a demanding league.
Last year was free-flowing, with lots of goals in the United Counties League. We’ll have to be more streetwise this year, we’ll come up against some better defences in the Midland League.
“Teams will be better from top to bottom but bring it on!”
Both sides are looking to get back to winning ways after dropping points on Tuesday.
Hinckley were beaten by the odd goal at another fancied side in Dudley Town while Stapenhill were held to a goalless draw by Heath Hayes.
The Swans picked up an opening day win last season, a thrilling 4-3 victory over OJM Black Country in which they came from two goals down.
Oli Roome, who played for Hinckley under John Ramshaw in 2019, scored for them that day.
Adults: £6
Concessions: £4
Under 16s: £2 (FREE with HAFC Junior membership card)
