Hoppers do it Anywhere
The Re-taming of the Shrews This week, we’re heading to Shrewsbury Town and their New Meadow ground. We are down in the Midlands for the weekend visiting family and friends, and while we are there, I am taking the opportunity to tick off another of the 92, and a club I visited at their old…
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…
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…
New Beginning for Newbiggin AFC Newbiggin are one of the latest two teams to join the Northern League for the first time in their history. They join Durham United in their newly-earned NL Division Two status and will look to kick off the new season with a bang. That won’t be an easy task, with…
Back to Grassroots (Atchoo!) The 2025/26 Hoppers Guide season starts with a friendly game between Brandon United and Esh Winning. Not the sort of glamour tie that kids dream of, maybe, but two local sides where community means more than money. After my successful avoidance of the horrendous Club World Cup, while players should have…
Third Time Lucky Having attempted to visit Stockton Town on two previous occasions, hopefully, today goes smoothly and I finally achieve the goal. If you are reading this, then we can safely assume I did… The first time I attempted a trip to Bishopton Road West coincided with the local bus company staff deciding to…
Oh! Hebburn is a Place on Earth This would be my second visit to Hebburn Town, and I was looking forward to seeing the progress made. In Hopper tales #37, Hebburn Town were in the NPL East Division but have since been promoted to the Premier Division. A new stand has also been constructed since…
Almost Done! Newton Aycliffe and Stockton Town are the only teams left for me to visit who play above Northern League level. Today was all about making that just one left to visit, as I headed south to Newton Aycliffe. The visitors were Belper Town, a friendly Derbyshire club we have already visited and made…