After a long three and a half months break, the wait is finally over as we have reached the start of the new footballing season. North Leigh will be desperate to shake the disappointments of last year with their worst league finish since gaining promotion to Division One 10 years ago. With new managers, a new team and a new league, will we see the start of a new era for this historic club.

Our visitors come to Eynsham Park a little battered and bruised following a tough season in the Southern League Premier Division finishing rock bottom (with only 4 wins and 17 points from 46 games). The Bedfordshire-based side are no strangers to the Division One Central having dominated in the 2013/14 season, winning both the League and Champions Cup. Promotion granted the club their highest league level since the club’s founding in 1883 and one step higher than North Leigh have ever achieved.

Manager Tony McCool will surely be pleased with how their pre-season has gone with some impressive scorelines including a 4-1 away win against Harefield United. Despite a mixed bag of results, both Darren James and Craig Dore are still pleased with how North Leigh have faired. With a win ratio of only 40%, what has been impressive is their attempt at playing the new style the managers are looking for. Some periods of play have really reflected the quality that the team has in its ranks.

North Leigh’s last game against Cinderford may not have gone to plan with a 3-0 defeat, but for a brand new group of players their match performances are getting better every week. It was just unfortunate that North Leigh’s George Seacole hit the crossbar from the penalty spot with the scores still level. Furthermore, one of Cinderford’s goals came from a penalty and another from a mistake at the back. However, the managers are confident that the match results will come with time.

Can our lads kickstart the campaign with a win this Saturday on home turf? Has an unforgettable summer for the three lions inspired the Millers? Whatever the results, this Saturday’s game is sure to be the start of a great season for North Leigh so come on down and join the Windmill Army!

Date: Saturday 18th August
KO: 3:00pm
Venue: Eynsham Park, OX29 6SL