As part of a restructuring exercise by the FA to reduce travelling distances, a new division has been created at Step 4, in the Northern Premier League (NPL). A third division has been added at Division 1 level, making an East, a West and a 'Midlands' Division. With no relegation taking place at Steps 3-6 a number of teams have been moved upwards. To decide on the top three promotion places, the records from the short-lived 2020-21 season and the supposedly 'null and void' 2019-20 were combined and each team given a points per game average. In the NCEL Premier Division, Garforth finished sixth with 1.68PPG, our highest since relegation from the NPL in 2013. The top three were Liversedge, Yorkshire Amateur and Bridlington Town and all three were duly invited to apply for promotion. All three were subsequently accepted and take their place in the East Division alongside current NPL sides and those invited from the Northern League. Congratulations to all three clubs and we wish them all well.

This leaves three spaces to fill in the Premier Division. As expected, top two sides Emley and Winterton Rangers have been accepted from Division 1. Third place Skegness Town were also promoted, but into the more southerly United Counties League, so instead Sherwood Colliery have been promoted from the now-disbanded East Midlands Counties League. Based in Mansfield, 'The Wood' are a side Town have never met. Surprisingly, there's only ever been two previous meetings between ourselves and Emley, the last being in the pre-season Nostell Tournament of August 2013. Winterton were regular opponents in our Division 1 days in the 1990s and early-mid noughties, the last meeting coming in March 2014 in their previous stint in the Premier Division.

All of the above is subject to ratification by the FA and confirmation at the NCEL AGM, the latter on the 16th June. The league season is expected to kick-off on Saturday 31st July. Draws for the FA Cup and Vase can normally be expected on the first Friday of that month.

We hope to bring you news shortly on pre-season friendlies and arrangements for current season ticket holders. Meanwhile, stay safe everyone and hope to see you all soon. Up the Miners!