National League North has five new sides this season - relegated AFC Fylde and promoted Merthyr Town, Bedford Town, Worksop Town Macclesfield and AFC Telford United.
In recent years, Hereford have faced Merthyr in the Southern League, and Fylde and Telford in National League North.
Macclesfield will be familiar before both clubs reformed and Bedford Town will be a group not many Bulls fans will have been to before, harking back to the old Southern League days.
However, despite the previous meeting, it's five new grounds for awaydays regulars compared to last season. Let's take a look.
AFC Fylde
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| Hereford fans at Fylde in February 2023 |
How did they get here?
AFC Fylde’s return to National League North was confirmed on Good Friday following a 1-0 home defeat to FC Halifax Town, sealing their relegation.
The Coasters had spent two seasons in the National League after winning promotion as champions of National League North in the 2022/23 campaign.
They made a positive start last season with a 3-2 comeback win over Solihull Moors on the opening day but were unable to maintain any consistent form.
Fylde picked up just 10 further league victories and endured a poor end to the season, losing 10 of their final 12 games to finish second from bottom.
Where do they play?
Mill Farm, considered one of the most modern stadiums outside the Football League, is part of a multi-million-pound sports complex that includes artificial pitches for both football and hockey.
The ground offers excellent facilities for spectators, including a Sports Bar within the stadium, an 80-seat restaurant with a roof terrace, a 40-seat café, and multiple conference and events spaces.
The stadium holds up to 6,000 fans.
AFC Telford United
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| Hereford fans at Telford in November 2022 |
How did they get here?
AFC Telford United secured promotion back to National League North in early May with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Kettering Town in the Southern League Premier Play-Off Final.
The Bucks trailed 1-0 at half-time and again at 2-1 before turning the game around in the final 10 minutes, completing a memorable comeback win.
Kevin Wilkin’s side had earned a third-place finish in the regular season to qualify for the play-offs. Their promotion marks the end of a two-year absence from the sixth tier.
Where do they play?
AFC Telford United play their home games at the SEAH Stadium, widely recognised as one of non-league football’s top facilities and rated with an EFL 'A' Grading.
Construction of the ground began in 2000 and concluded in 2003. Today, it has a capacity of 5,500.
Bedford Town
How did they get here?
Bedford Town were crowned Southern League Premier Central champions following a 2-0 victory over Stourbridge on the final day, earning what was described as an “unexpected” promotion.
The success means back-to-back promotions for The Eagles. Manager Lee Bircham revealed the club’s initial goal for 2024/25 was merely to avoid relegation.
Instead, the momentum from their previous rise propelled them into another promotion campaign, and now they are preparing for life in National League North.
Despite speculation about a potential merger with Real Bedford – who also earned promotion last season – no agreement has been reached. For now, Bedford Town will continue independently into 2025/26.
Where do they play?
The New Eyrie has been Bedford Town’s home since 1993 and currently holds a capacity of 3,000.
After reforming in 1989, the club initially played on community pitches in Queens Park before moving to land on Cardington Road to establish their new ground.
Macclesfield
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| Hereford fans at Macclesfield in May 2011 |
How did they get here?
Macclesfield continued their impressive climb through the non-league system by winning the NPL Premier Division title, securing promotion to National League North.
Promotion was confirmed in March following a 2-1 win against Bamber Bridge on Non-League Day, celebrated by a near-capacity crowd of almost 5,000.
The Silkmen ended the season on 109 points, losing just three times and finishing 26 points clear of second-placed Worksop Town.
Where do they play?
Macclesfield’s home is Moss Rose, officially known as The Leasing.com Stadium. Built in 1891, it stands as one of the oldest football stadiums in the country and has a capacity of 5,300.
Previously home to Macclesfield Town before their liquidation in 2020, the ground has since undergone significant renovations with over £4 million invested in improvements.
Merthyr Town
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| Hereford at Merthyr in December 2017 |
How did they get here?
Merthyr Town secured a return to Step 2 for the first time in over a decade after being crowned champions of the Southern League Premier Division South in 2024/25.
The Martyrs held off a determined late surge from AFC Totton to clinch the title with a game to spare following a convincing 3-0 victory over Hungerford Town on Bank Holiday Monday — a result that triggered jubilant celebrations at Penydarren Park.
Paul Michael’s side were deserved champions, having led the way for much of the campaign and playing an attractive brand of attacking football that earned them widespread plaudits across the division.
Where do they play?
Penydarren Park has been home to Merthyr Town since the club’s reformation in 2010 and boasts a capacity of around 4,000.
The ground, which has hosted football since the 19th century, sits proudly in the heart of the town and retains many of its traditional features, while also undergoing incremental upgrades in recent years to improve facilities for both players and supporters.
It is steeped in history, having been the former home of Merthyr Tydfil FC — and remains one of the most iconic non-league venues in South Wales.
Worksop Town
How did they get here?
Worksop Town secured promotion to National League North by finishing second in the 2024–25 Northern Premier League Premier Division and winning the play-offs. Jordan Burrow's double helped Craig Parry's side to a 2-1 win against Guiseley in the Northern Premier League play-off final in front of more than 2,000 supporters at Sandy Lane,
This marks their return to Step 2 football for the first time since 2007.
Where do they play?
Worksop Town's home ground is Sandy Lane, also known as the Windsor Foodservice Stadium, located at Babbage Way, Worksop, S80 1UJ. The stadium has a capacity of 3,200, with 2,138 standing and 362 seated. It has been their home since 1992.