Hinckley AFC will face two new teams and one familiar opponent in the Midland League Division One this season. Here’s a lowdown on those three sides.
In addition to these three sides, three other clubs have moved grounds this season. OJM Black Country will now be playing at the Triplex Sports Ground, formerly of Pilkington XXX and Cadbury Athletic. Shawbury United have moved to a stadium based outside Shrewsbury Town’s New Meadow ground and Smethwick Rangers will be at Boldmere St Michaels from November, in time for our visit there in April.
Allscott Heath
Home colours: Green and black
Last season: 1st in West Midlands Regional League
Ground: Shawbirch Road, Allscott, Telford, Shropshire, TF6 5EQ
Distance from Hinckley: 59.3 miles
We’ll meet: 30th September (a), 13th January (h)
Allscott Heath scored the most goals and conceded the fewest in the West Midlands Regional League last term, being crowned champions with a couple of matches to spare after holding off the challenge of Gornal Athletic. They won 25 and only lost one of their 30 league matches, also lifting the Powell Cup and the Shropshire Challenge Cup in what was a treble-winning season.
Heather St John’s
Home colours: Blue
Last season: 19th in United Counties Premier Division North
Ground: St John’s Park, Ravenstone Road, Heather, Leicestershire, LE67 2QJ
Distance from Hinckley: 11.9 miles
We’ll meet: 7th August (h), 6th April (a)
Back in Division One after four seasons at step five, Heather finished second-bottom of the United Counties Premier Division North last term to be relegated on a national points per game basis. They won just four league games last season but did finish strongly, picking up ten points from their last eight games. Now under new management, a handful of Barrow Town players have joined Heather this summer after the Riversiders withdrew from step six.
Sutton United
Home colours: Green and black
Last season: 1st in Midland League Division Two.
Ground: Coleshill Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7BA
Distance from Hinckley: 24.0 miles
We’ll meet: 14th October (h), 1st April (a)
Sutton prevailed in a thrilling Division Two title race last season with the top three separated by just two points. They hit 107 goals in their 30 games, 31 more than anybody else, with Joe Gildea their biggest threat with 31 from just 30 games. Their 43 goals conceded was the most of any team in the top five but it wasn’t enough to deny them promotion. Their Coleshill Road stadium is recently refurbished and boasts a 3G pitch.
