NORTHERN LEAGUE newcomers Darlington Town are aiming to continue their progression in the new season that begins today.

After winning the Wearside League for the second time in three seasons in May, they were able to gain promotion to the Northern League courtesy of the facilities at the new Community Stadium at Eastbourne Sports Complex, and today they start their new adventure with an away game at FC Hartlepool.

Joint-manager Nathan Wilson said: “I’ve played in this division before so I know what to expect.

“I think it will be more physical and competitive than the Wearside League and will be a big challenge for us, so we must be ready with our fitness and physicality. I feel as if we have a good enough squad, and we’re aiming to finish as high as we can. We’ll have a good idea after five or six games and if we have to improve the squad, then we will.”

Town will be keeping virtually the same squad as last season, with the addition of former Middlesbrough and Darlington centre-half Jonny Burn and striker Liam Jarvie, who has dropped down two leagues from Newton Aycliffe in the NPL East.

In the First Division, last season’s beaten play-off finalists and Durham Challenge Cup winners, West Auckland, start at home to Seaham Red Star.

Josh Scott will again be expected to provide the goals, and they have strengthened their squad by signing another striker, Alfie Conway, and defender Jermaine Metz, while midfielder Anthony Bell has returned to the club from Redcar Athletic. 

Shildon, who finished runners-up to Bishop Auckland but then lost to West Auckland in the play-offs, are at West Allotment.

They have lost striker Joe Posthill to Hebburn, but have kept nearly all of last season’s squad. Keeper Shaun Newbrook has returned from Hebburn, while defender Ben Errington has moved from Bishop Auckland. Another defender, Elliott Day, has come from Whitley Bay, and centre-half Aaron Cunningham from Marske United.

Manager Chris Hughes said: “The squad have worked hard in pre-season for the long season ahead. West Allotment have a new management team and squad, but it is difficult with players on holiday to gauge what they are like. We will be ready to put in the hard work required to get the three points.”

Northallerton changed their manager during the summer, with Jason Newall replacing Jamie Tunstall. He made over 300 appearances as a player for Town and has been manager at Richmond Town for two seasons.

“I’ve been at the club when it was promoted and when it was relegated,” he said. “The club needs a reset and for the squad to go back to basics. The feelgood factor must return to the club.

“I’m buying into this to the best of my ability. I want to get a core of experienced players with some energetic local talent.”

Only seven of last season’s squad were still at the club when Newall took over, so he has brought in over a dozen new players including Jamie Harwood, who has been at Gateshead, Shildon and Spennymoor.

Crook Town, who finished 13th last season, have brought in winger Josh MacDonald, who has been a pro at Halifax, as well as experienced striker Sonni Coleman from Northallerton. They have also signed keeper James Barron and Ethan Bewley from Tow Law, Corey Nicholson from West Auckland, Joe Thompson from Northallerton and Dale Milburn from Thornaby.

Tow Law will be looking for an improvement on their second bottom from last season, and have brought in several new players including striker Ben Dibb-Fuller, who was previously at Shildon and Newton Aycliffe, Callum Williams from Gateshead Leam Rangers, James Hughes from Middlesbrough Academy and Lewis Shorrock, who has Northern League experience with Team Northumbria.

Manager Dion Raitt successfully guided the club away from the bottom of the table last season, and is hoping to finish much higher this time around.

Kendal Town are a new club in the league, having been moved across from the North West Counties League despite their appeal to the FA.

Marske United, who resigned from the NPL midway through last season for financial reasons, have been relegated two leagues and start again with a brand new squad at Mount Pleasant.

Promoted to the First Division are Second Division champions Blyth Town, along with Easington and Newcastle Blue Star, who played each other in the play-off final last season.

As well as Darlington Town, Alnwick Town and Grangetown Boys Club are also new to Division Two.