WEEKEND PREVIEW | 25 JULY 2026

The wait was finally over last night as the 2026/27 EBAC Northern League season got underway with FC Hartlepool holding Darlington Town to a 0-0 draw at the Eastbourne Sports Complex in front of a crowd of 209.

38 more clubs across our divisions are eager to make the perfect start to a new campaign this afternoon.

In Division One, there are plenty of intriguing opening-day fixtures. Newly-promoted Yarm & Eaglescliffe begin life at Step 5 with a home clash against Newcastle Benfield, while fellow newcomers Redcar Town travel to Newcastle Blue Star in one of the standout ties of the afternoon. Elsewhere, Marske United host Whickham, Horden CW entertain Crook Town, Blyth Town welcome Birtley Town, and Carlisle City face Kendal Town as clubs from across the North East and Cumbria begin what promises to be another highly competitive season.

Division Two also begins with plenty of anticipation. League debutants Seaton Carew mark a historic day for the club with a home fixture against AFC Newbiggin, while returning Stokesley SC travel to Newcastle University after rejoining the competition. There are also opening-day matches between Ryton & Crawcrook Albion and Tow Law Town, Billingham Synthonia and Prudhoe YC Seniors, Boldon CA and Grangetown Boys Club, Chester-le-Street Town and Jarrow, Durham United and Sunderland RCA, Seaham Red Star and Billingham Town, and Alnwick Town against Park View AFC.

With fresh ambitions, new faces and another exciting season ahead, supporters can look forward to an afternoon packed with competitive football as the road to promotion, silverware and local bragging rights begins once again across the EBAC Northern League.