Match Preview

By David Coulthard

The Lowdown

Hebburn get their 2023/24 competitive season underway with a 330-mile round trip to face Grantham Town at the South Kesteven Stadium.

Daniel Moore's side ended pre-season with four wins, two draws and three defeats, although their last outing was a 1-1 draw against Sunderland U21s on 28th July after the Hornets final test against Marske United was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Four new faces arrived over the summer, with defenders Matthew Elsdon and Aiden Heywood, and midfielders Dean Briggs and Chay Liddle looking for their first league action for the club.

Grantham meanwhile have already had two competitive outings this season in the FA Cup. The Gingerbreads beat Loughborough Students 1-0 on the road thanks to Akeel Francis' second half goal, after a 1-1 draw last weekend.

They have made several new signings ahead of the new campaign having finished 16th last term.

Pre-Match Thoughts

Hebburn Manager Daniel Moore commented "We look sharp, we look good, we've got a fit bunch of lads. The only lads who will be missing are through holidays or other commitments.

It'll be a headache for me to pick a side, but that's what we need throughout the season."

When asked about Grantham, Moore responded "they've just signed virtually a whole new team, so you don't know what you're going to get from them."

Thinking ahead to the season, the gaffer remarked "it's important you get off to a decent start, but then on the flip side if you can put together a run of 10 plus games - you just have to look at Long Eaton last year who were bottom four just before Christmas and finished where they finished, and up they went."

When pushed on whether any further arrivals were likely, Moore confirmed he is "more than happy with the squad we've got, but obviously you're always looking to be better."

Venue Info

The game will take place at the South Kesteven Sports Stadium, NG31 7XQ. Tickets are available on the gate, with entrance costing £10 for adults, £5 for concessions, whilst under 16s are free when accompanied by an adult (£3 unaccompanied).

Card payments are accepted on the gate. There will also be a match day programme available for £2.