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A look ahead to this weekend in the National North written by Sam Elliott:
Curtain up is coming - but can anyone actually call the Enterprise National League North this time?
The opening day of the 2026/27 campaign has thrown together some tantalising meetings. The time for talking is over as football finally returns.
After falling agonisingly short in both the title race and the Promotion Final, will South Shields be able to heal their heartache?
There was more agony to come for the club’ fans when Ian Watson accepting the job at EFL new-comers Rochdale, but the good news for fans is that they have kept most of their key players and in Mike Williamson they have a coach who is sure to entertain.
They have got a very tricky first day assignment with a trip to Scarborough Athletic, who also secured a play-off finish last time. The Seadogs are making an emotional homecoming after a year away at Bridlington and manager Jonathan Greening wants a winning return.
Morecambe are being talked up - but can a club so used to losing over the past four seasons win with enough regularity to earn promotion? They begin their quest to get on the upward curve at home to Spennymoor Town.
We have some new faces, and two of them are away on opening weekend. King's Lynn Town host Harborough Town, as Spalding United also not having an easy task as Radcliffe lie in wait this weekend.
Hebburn Town at least have home advantage on their National League North bow as regular campaigners Southport travel to the north east.
Brackley Town are back after one season, but Andy Whing hopes they can put in a challenge for an instant return. It’s a tough start against AFC Telford.
Two of the other more southern sides are paired together when Oxford City welcome Bedford Town with Chorley and Chester - now managed by Phil Parkinson - an intriguing opener for both sets of supporters.
Two teams being tipped as contenders for promotion meet on Saturday. Merthyr Town are at home to Hednesford Town, who have caught the eye this summer with big name recruits including Aaron Hayden, David Abimbola and Sam Horby.
The post-John McGrath era for Buxton starts with a home match again Hereford, whose fans are expecting a lot better this time around.
Macclesfield have been in the close-season title tip conversation, but how will they begin at Marine?
Darlington have perhaps gone under the radar this summer but their fans are excited for the new season. Worksop Town are the visitors as the Tigers look to improve on a solid first season back at this level.
Opening day fixtures:
AFC Telford v Brackley Town
Buxton v Hereford
Chorley v Chester
Darlington v Worksop Town
Hebburn Town v Southport
King's Lynn Town v Harborough Town
Marine v Macclesfield
Merthyr Town v Hednesford Town
Morecambe v Spennymoor Town
Oxford City v Bedford Town
Radcliffe v Spalding United
Scarborough Athletic v South Shields