Hoppers do it Anywhere
Seaton Carew, Is it You? This week, I am taking a break from long-distance travel, as I head to the coast for my first visit to Seaton Carew. Newly promoted to the Northern League Division Two, they will be facing off against near neighbours FC Hartlepool in a local derby. Seaton Carew is one of…
Willo the Wisp After last week’s trip to the lovely Annfield Plain FC, this week we take in our second Wearside League ground, with a trip to Willington AFC. This is another short journey that helps me get back into the habit and be ready for longer journeys ahead. I have been looking forward to…
The Return Today’s trip to Annfield Plain marked the start of our 2026/27 season, and the 5th full campaign for Hoppers Guide. Nine weeks have passed since our last game at South Shields’ playoff final against Kidderminster Harriers, and twelve weeks since our last review at Gainsborough Trinity. In other good news, I think I…
Raising the Bar This week sees us return to Lincolnshire, with Gainsborough the destination. Our game is a Northern Premier League Premier Division match between Gainsborough Trinity and Prescot Cables. Like last weekend’s game between Scunthorpe United and Brackley Town, Gainsborough Trinity are hunting for a playoff spot, while the visitors are threatened with relegation….
Crowd Hopping This week, we will revisit the Scotswood Sports Centre, also known as the KD Stadium, home of Newcastle Blue Star. The game against Carlisle City will be a part of the weekend’s Northern League Hop, which started on April 2nd with West Auckland Town v Thornaby – FT 4-0. Full Weekend Itinerary: Friday…
A Change of Plans We were due to visit Redcar Town’s Mo Mowlam Memorial Park back in November, but the game was postponed. Today, we tried once more, as Town were due to take on Chester-le-Street Town in the Northern League Division Two. However, the weather once again thwarted our best-laid plans, and with standing…
Alnwick Return This week sees us returning to Alnwick, just a couple of weeks since we watched the Shrove Tuesday football game there. Alnwick is a lovely little town, and I don’t need the excuse of a new football ground to return. It will be a new ground, which is a bonus, on top of…
Division One? Completed it, Mate! This Saturday, we visit Boro Rangers at their Phoenix Park home. The visitors will be Whitley Bay in a Northern League Division One game. Today’s ground visit marks the completion of Division One for us, leaving just three Division Two sides to complete the Northern League. It has been a…
We’re Going to Emley, Que Sera, Sera This week, we head to West Yorkshire for a game between Emley AFC and Blyth Spartans. Last week, we had planned to visit Park View AFC, but a combination of illness and postponed games in the area left us with a barren weekend. Instead, we turn our attention…
A New Mission Begins This week, we visit Maiden Castle (part of the Graham Sports Centre), home of Durham United, as a new mission begins for HG. Having hit the 200-grounds mark with last weekend’s trip to Guiseley AFC, the quest for ground number 250 begins! We start the new mission by visiting Durham United,…