Hoppers start the 2024/25 National 2 North season by welcoming Chester to Lightfoot Green in a 2:30pm kick off this Saturday.

Chester rejoin National 2 North after a season spent in National 2 West which saw them finish in 11th place, winning 11 of their 26 games and racking up 60 points. For comparison, Hoppers managed 8 wins from 26 games, accumulating 54 points in the process.

Reflecting on pre-season preparations Hoppers Head Coach Dan Orwin said "With a new coaching team, pre-season training started for us on 2nd July, and our players and coaches have been working extremely hard to get to where we need to be to enjoy a successful season. We have implemented new processes on and off the pitch, and we have enjoyed two successful pre-season games away at Blackburn and Macclesfield, giving the squads valuable playing minutes. Last Thursday, Sedgley Park (National League 1) hosted us for a joint training session, which was productive for both clubs."

Speaking about Chester, Orwin added "Historically, Chester are a physical, well-organised team who are well coached. We will need to ensure that we get our processes right if we are to have a successful afternoon. The players are ready for the challenge, and we hope you enjoy an entertaining game!"

On team selection, Orwin commented "Selection for the game has been difficult, as we have so many talented players who are in the mix. Squad-wise, we have several new signings that have already been announced on social media; Sammy Russell, Owain Williams, Ben O ’Ryan, Alfie Longstaff, Marc Maher, Kyle Huish, Jenson Hamilton, Jack Roberts, and Rhys Dixon. Some of whom are picked in our first squad of the season."

Team Selection

1. Wade Williams
2. Harry Holden
3. Tom Guest
4. Ally Murray
5. Dec Norrington
6. Ben O'Ryan
7. Cam Wilkinson
8. Scott Richardson (C)
9. Joe Harrison (pictured above)
10. Greg Smith
11. Tyler Spence
12. Sammy Russell
13. Jake Maher
14. Owain Williams
15. Jack Lightowler
16. Mike Ashdown
17. Josh Jones
18. Luke Procter
19. Jacob Browne
20. Marc Maher

Match Programme

To view the match programme, please follow this link

https://online.fliphtml5.com/ldhpy/bvbr/