Hardy happy to kick off at home
Blues boss Chris Hardy is looking forward to getting his side’s 2019-20 BetVictor Northern Premier underway at the Turnbull Ground.
The Blues kick off their campaign at home to Witton Albion, before facing back-to-back trips to Gainsborough Trinity and Buxton.
However, despite the Upgang Lane start, Hardy insists that it’ll be a tough game, like most in the division.
“It’s pleasing to be getting underway at the Turnbull,” the Blues boss said.
“It’s an ideal scenario to be in, being at home to start off with.
“However, with all due respect there’s no easy game in this division. We know that we need to be at our best on the day.
“Witton pose a difficult task for us, in terms of what they bring to the table, so we need to be on it and go out to get off to a positive start.
“The start is tough but we knew it would be because of the nature of the division. We want to start we’ll but it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Supporters and players alike have been on the lookout for key fixtures across the season, including the derby day games with Scarborough Athletic.
The Seadogs visit the Turnbull Ground on Tuesday, September 3, while South Shields visit on Boxing Day, and FC United head to Upgang Lane on January 18, with bumper fares expected for all three.
“The Scarborough game is a fixture under the lights, there’s always a different feel to them,” Hardy added.
“Getting that game in early on is a boost. It’s a local derby, and there’ll be a good crowd.
“The surface will be slick, it’ll be cooler and people will be in good spirits as they normally are in these type of games. There’s always a really exciting feel around them.
“There’s also FC United, who are a big club. They’re well supported, which will make it an occasion, and well financed, so they’ll pose a challenge.
“Shields as ever will bring a crowd too. Already we’re talking about fixtures where juices are flowing and people can get excited about.
“Interest levels peak with these sort of games and teams in the division. They capture the imagination. The league gets stronger every year and there’s a lot of ambitious sides in there. It’ll make for an interesting season.”
See the full fixture list here.