Hinckley AFC will face three new league opponents in Division One this term. Find out more about them…
The league will consist of just 19 teams this season after having 22 sides last term, with just three coming in to replace six departures: those of champions Walsall Wood, promoted Ilkeston Town, transferred Pershore Town and relegated Stafford Town, Bolehall Swifts and Coventry Alvis.
With just eight days to go until the start of the season, here’s a quick look at how the three new sides are shaping up ahead of 2018-19…
NKF Burbage
Last season: 1st in Midland League Division Two
Ground: Kirkby Road, Barwell, Leicestershire, LE9 8FQ.
Distance from Hinckley: 3.8 miles
We’ll meet: 8th December (a), 2nd March (h)
AFC record: The sides are yet to meet
Another local derby to add to AFC’s growing list this season, NKF’s impressive last couple of seasons have seen them ascend to Division One for the first time. They conceded just 17 league goals last term with comfortably the meanest defence in the Midland League, and enjoyed cup success too in winning the Jelson Homes Senior Cup, Presidents’ Cup and Les James Cup.
Rocester
Last season: 22nd in Midland League Premier Division
Ground: Mill Street, Rocester, Staffordshire, ST14 5JX.
Distance from Hinckley: 57.0 miles
We’ll meet: 24th November (a), 23rd March (h)
AFC record: Played one, won one
After playing in the Midland League’s Premier Division in each of the four seasons since the league’s formation, the Romans finished bottom last term to bring their spell at step five to an end. They finished on a high, thrashing Heanor Town 6-1 in their final game to show what they can do when it clicks, but the damage had already been done.
The sides have met once before – back in 2016-17 when AFC won the League Cup quarter final 6-1 on their route to the Bescot Stadium. Ryan Seal’s brace helped AFC come from behind to win.
Stapenhill
Last season: 13th in East Midlands Counties League
Ground: Maple Grove, Stapenhill, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, DE15 9NN
Distance from Hinckley: 24.8 miles
We’ll meet: 4th August (a), 5th January (h)
AFC record: The sides are yet to meet
Transferred across from the East Midlands Counties League for this season, Stapenhill have been permanent fixtures at step six in recent years. Having finished 13th, 11th, 12th and 15th in their last four seasons, the Swans have been solid in mid-table for many a season and have rarely threatened with relegation since joining step six. Their best finish of recent years was second in 2013-14.
They have a new manager in Richard Lonsdale, and will host AFC in their first Midland League game in just eight days time.
