The Opposition - History
The original Heaton Stannington FC resigned from the Newcastle and District Amateur League in 1904, reforming in 1910 and joining the Tyneside Minor League in 1913.
They quickly moved to the Northern Amateur League and gained promotion to Division One, also winning the Challenge Cup in 1936.
By 1939 they had joined the Northern League but after struggling in the late 1940s they joined the Northern Alliance, returning to the Northern Amateur League four seasons later.
They joined the relaunched North Eastern League in 1959 but continued to jump around the leagues, moving to the Northern Combination after one season. They eventually moved to the Wearside League in 1973.
They were forced to resign due to financial problems and ended up in the Tyneside Amateur League in 1982, playing as Heaton United.
Success followed, winning not only that title but also the Northern Amateur League in 1986.
The 21st century has seen further success, with promotion to the Premier Division of the Northern Alliance, which they went on to win in 2012; they would retain it the following season.
They have not finished lower than 9th in any season since 2006/07 and this is their debut at Step 4, earned following a 3-0 Play-off final win over West Auckland Town.

The Opposition - This Season
The Stan played seven friendlies in advance of the 2024/25 season.
A 2-0 win over Newcastle Benfield was followed by a 2-1 home defeat against Whickham.
They got back to winning ways in style with a comprehensive victory over Jarrow then picked up a draw at Carlisle City.
A 1-0 win at Seaham Red Star was next up and their friendlies concluded with 0-0 draws against Whitley Bay and Hebburn Town.
Friday evening saw them open their FA Cup campaign, Leighton Hooper and Konner Lamb scoring second half goals in a 2-0 win over Easington Colliery.

The Nailers
Belper have picked up three wins in their six friendlies.
The campaign started with defeat at Ashby Ivanhoe where on a very difficult playing surface and with lots of new faces, the Nailers lost to the only goal of the match.
Next up was a 2-2 draw at Mickleover where Harry Draper and Ioan Evans were on the scoresheet.
An excellent 1-0 win at Barwell followed, Mason Warren securing victory from the penalty spot.
There was a setback at Sutton Coldfield with a disappointing performance leading to a 2-0 defeat.
The bounce back from this was impressive with a 3-0 victory over Burton Albion (Austin, Rawson x 2) and a 4-1 thumping of Long Eaton United (Draper, Warren, Rawson x 2).

Head to Head
This will be a first meeting between the sides.
The return fixture at the Raygar Stadium will take place on Saturday, 21st December.

Form Guide (League)
N/A

Team News
The Nailers have a generally fully fit squad to choose from, however Ben Rhodes remains suspended following his red card against Cleethorpes towards the end of last season.

Permutations
N/A

Match details
Heaton Stannington vs. Belper Town
Northern Premier League Division One - East Division
Saturday, 10th August 2024 – 3:00pm kick off
Grounsell Park
Newton Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7HP
Tickets: Adults £9, Concessions £6
Available here: Tickets

Follow the match
Live commentary is available with Tom on Radio Belper Town - https://radiobelpertown.mixlr.com
Full coverage on X (Twitter). Team news, HT & FT scores on Facebook.
Match reports to follow on the website and in the Non-League Paper.

Opening Day in Division One East
Bishop Auckland vs. Stocksbridge Park Steels
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. North Ferriby
Bridlington Town vs. Carlton Town
Cleethorpes Town vs. Brighouse Town
Dunston vs. Pontefract Collieries
Garforth Town vs. Liversedge
Grimsby Borough vs. Emley AFC
Heaton Stannington vs. Belper Town
Ossett United vs. Ashington AFC
Sheffield vs. Newton Aycliffe
Sherwood Colliery vs. Consett AFC