As expected, the provisional Step 3 format sees the east and west Midlands clubs – Barwell, Coalville Town, Halesowen Town, Hednesford Town, Rushall Olympic and Stourbridge – laterally moved to the newly formed Central League. Sutton Coldfield Town had previously been relegated.

But Reds will still play the likes of Grantham Town (212), Mickleover Sports (203) and Basford United (202), their three longest trips.

Basford United, one of at least four teams expected to play on 3G, are the only club we have never faced at any level so a first ever visit to their Mill Street ground (pictured) awaits.

Reds’ first team has never played at South Shields’ Mariners Park but our Reserves did visit there during our spell in the Wearside League.

The composition is only provisional and will be ratified at the AGM in Blackpool next month but, as it stands, we will travel 6,626 miles and play four games fewer in the twenty-two team structure.

Northern Premier League Premier Division (provisional):
Bamber Bridge, Basford United, Buxton, Farsley Celtic, Gainsborough Trinity, Grantham Town, Hyde United, Lancaster City, Marine, Matlock Town, Mickleover Sports, Nantwich Town, North Ferriby United, Scarborough Athletic, Shaw Lane, South Shields, Stafford Rangers, Stalybridge Celtic, Warrington Town, Whitby Town, Witton Albion and Workington.