Consett’s opponents for the 2023-24 Northern Premier League season have today been confirmed, with six new clubs joining Division One East.

As well as renewing acquaintances with our old Northern League rivals Newton Aycliffe and Ashington, we will also face former cup opponents North Ferriby and Winterton Rangers, who have also been promoted.

Points will be at stake when we next go to Liversedge, who we visited in a pre-season friendly last year, after their relegation from the NPL Premier Division.

And we will face one brand new opponent, Derbyshire club Belper Town, who have also been relegated from the NPL Premier Division.

Shildon and Tadcaster Albion are relegated after finishing in the bottom two, as are Lincoln United, who lost in the play-offs after finishing third-bottom.

As expected, North Shields have been relegated to the Northern League for failing to comply with ground grading regulations, which means a reprieve for Carlton Town.

At the other end of the table, we say goodbye to champions Worksop Town and play-off winners Long Eaton United, who will be playing at Step 3 next season.

The league allocations are subject to appeal to the FA, so we’ll bring you news of our fixtures for 2023-24 as soon as they’re confirmed and released.

Consett AFC season tickets are on sale now, with a special early bird offer available to anyone who purchases theirs before 31 May.