Match Preview

The new North West Counties League First Division North season gets under way on Saturday with Heys travelling to League newcomers Golcar United.

After being in and around the promotion mix for three seasons now, Heys Manager Jon Lyons will be looking for his side to make the step up this season.

The Heys boss felt his side underachieved last season and the closing stages of that campaign and the Summer have seen a reshaping of the squad that he hopes will see his side get over the line this time around.

The guarantee of promotion for teams finishing in the top four offers a great opportunity but conversely will surely make for a highly competitive division. With so many places up for grabs the likelihood is the competition will remain much more intense far deeper into the season, with potentially a large number of clubs in the mix for longer.

AFC Liverpool and Lower Breck are likely to be strong challengers and there is always one team each year that emerges from the pack to challenge. It is also not unusual for a new club to take to the League and challenge. Longridge and AVRO being prime examples last time.

Golcar would appear to have the pedigree to follow suit. A club on a roll on and off the pitch, they enter the League on the back of successive West Riding Premier Division titles and County success last season.

Couple all that with the natural bounce any side has when entering a new division and this game represents a tough opening day hurdle for Heys.

After a pre-season of good, solid performances against higher grade opposition, Heys will be looking to hit the ground running. Anything less may make for a difficult afternoon.

Kick-off is 3pm.

Matchday Information

Ground: WMS Entrance Systems Park, Longfield Avenue, Golcar, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD7 4AZ
Telephone: 07825744829
Admission Prices: £4 Adults, £2 OAP & £1 Children Over 11
Programme Price: £2.00
Directions: From Huddersfield Centre
A62 Manchester Road to Milnsbridge. Left up Scar Lane, right on Sycamore Avenue, left into Longfield Avenue.

From M62 Junction 23
Take New Hey Road to Town Centre, then directions as above.

Nearest Railway: Huddersfield (2.9 miles) or Slaithwaite (3.7 miles)
Nearest Bus Route to Ground: Bus Route: 301/302 Golcar Circular
Parking Facilities: On site or at Local British Legion (Approx 5 mins Walk 238 Scar Ln, Golcar, Huddersfield HD7 4AU)
Ground Facilities: Clubhouse and Refreshments on site

Some Heys fans are making a day of it, travelling by train. Meet 10.30am at Morrison’s in Whitefield if you want to join them.