Joint boss Adam Davies says his excitement and optimism levels are “very high” as Hinckley AFC start their United Counties Premier North campaign away to Newark Town.
It’s been all change for Hinckley this summer with a move from the South to the North, and plenty of new teams to become acquainted with.
One of those is Newark, as Hinckley make the trip up the A46 for their season opener looking to start the campaign in a positive fashion.
There could be plenty of competitive Hinckley debuts with new signings in a number of areas all looking to make their claim for a starting berth – but Harrison Myring is still out with the injury he picked up in our opening friendly at Southam.
The opposition
Starts don’t get much tougher for Hinckley than an away trip to last season’s play-off finalists, with Newark facing another year at step five after their 2-0 defeat to Grantham Town in May.
They have lost a couple of players from that game, including top scorer Louis Czerwak to Grantham, but 14-goal Ryan Rushen and Harry Allcock, who grabbed 11 in just 18 games, both remain.
Only the top two scored more than Newark’s 83 league goals last season, but they were also impressive enough defensively that they snuffed out one of those sides, Sherwood Colliery, 1-0 in the play-off semi-finals.
They have also strengthened with a handful of signings from rivals Newark & Sherwood, who resigned from the league at the end of last season, including their top goalscorer Luke White.
From the dressing room
“Our levels are very high on both fronts (excitement and optimism). Excitement because we’ve had a chance go and build a side in our own image, recruit our players and make this version of Hinckley AFC feel like our own. And optimism because of that hard work. We’ve done the hard yards since the season ended. This is an exciting new challenge, and we want to be up and around it.
“Newark away is a proper welcome to the league. Their manager has spoken about players leaving and lots of recruitment coming in. It will be a good first test on a 3G so replicates how we want to play at home. If you want to do well you’ve got to beat sides up there and Newark will undoubtedly be one of those.”
Adam Davies
Key information
Newark play at the YMCA Sports Village, Lord Hawke Way, Newark, NG24 4FH. Like Kirkby Road, their ground has an artificial pitch.
Hinckley will be in our new away kit for the first time for this match.
Adults: £9
Concessions: £7
14-18s: £2
Under 14s: Free with paying adult
