The 2025/26 season may have just finished, but preparations are already underway for 2026/27, and we can now reveal who we’ll be facing and where we’ll be going as part of our forthcoming pre-season ahead of a third year in the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division!

Our first game is a trip to neighbours Newcastle Benfield on Saturday 4th July, kick-off 3pm, as we contest the Jimmy Rowe Cup for the sixth time.

Next, we travel to Hebburn Town, who will be playing in the National League North for the first time this season after finishing top of the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division. That takes place on Tuesday 7th July, kick-off 7:30pm.

We return to The Willow Park on Saturday 11th July to face Blyth Town, who we faced three times in the 2025/26 season. That one kicks off at 3pm.

On Saturday 18th July, we’re taking a trip across the Scottish border to face Dunbar United, who finished 8th in last season’s East of Scotland League Premier Division. Kick-off at New Countess Road is at 3pm.

A shorter away trip follows on Tuesday 21st July, kick-off 7:30pm, as we visit Seaham Red Star, who finished 5th in Northern League Division 2 this year, but missed out on promotion through the play-offs.

And finally, we end pre-season with a tough test at home to Basford United on Saturday 1st August, kick-off 3pm. The Nottingham-based side play in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Midlands Division and were unlucky to miss out on promotion after finishing 3rd.

We’ll announce ticketing information for the home games and away travel to the Dunbar United game shortly, so make sure you’re following @heatonstan across Facebook, X, Instagram and BlueSky for all of the latest updates.