Hashtag United
Stadium: Len Salmon Stadium (Capacity: 3,500)
Distance from the Aspect Arena: 7.8 miles
2022/23 table position: 1st (Isthmian League North Division)
2022/23 top scorer: Alex Teniola (17)
Manager: Jay Devereux
2022/23 average attendance: 326
Last season Hashtag United romped to the Isthmian League North Division title, racking up 98 points and going the season unbeaten on home turf.
As well as this Jay Devereux's side bagged 101 goals, conceding just 35 in reply, and will hope to be just as prolific in their first ever campaign at step three level.
However the Tags have been dealt some early blows this summer with some key players moving on from the Len Salmon Stadium.
Thus far Iyiola Adebayo, Pedro Carvalho, Harry Critchley, Joe Debell and Jermaine Francis have all departed. On top of this midfield duo Kojo Apenteng and Eman Okunja have both joined Brightlingsea Regent and striker Olly Miles has gone to fellow Essex club Tilbury.
These departures will come as a disappointment to the Hashtag faithful but they will take some comfort in the fact that the majority of last term's title winning squad have all signed on for the upcoming season.
At the back, goalkeeper James Philp has been retained alongside defenders Thomas Anderson, Greg Halford, Harry Haysom, Wyan Reid, Nathan Smith, Farai Tsingano and Matthew Wooldridge.
In midfield the experienced Max Cornhill has committed himself to another year with the club as well as Percy Kiangebeni, Joni Vukaj and Lewis Watson; and finally in attack top scorer Alex Teniola has been retained as has Toby Aromolaran.
So far business hasn't exactly been booming in Essex with the Tags only bringing in four new faces ahead of the new campaign.
Striker Suleyman Zuhdu has joined the club from Brightlingsea Regent with whom he netted 12 goals for last season en route to relegation.
Also new are Wingate & Finchley's Max Cornish and Kosovan born playmaker Misha Djemaili.
Perhaps the most eye-catching signing made by Hashtag this summer is that of Somalian international Sak Hassan who arrives from last seasons' promotion rivals AFC Sudbury. Having scored eight goals for the Suds on the way to playoff success the Dutch born winger looks to be a very impressive arrival.
The Tags do boast a healthy budget for this level and have a well respected manager in Deveruex. However a squad that, for the most part, lacks experience at this level could prove costly and they could take a while to get into their flow.
Concord links
- Hashtag United's Max Cornhill, Percy Kiangebeni, Wyan Reid and Nathan Smith are all ex Concord.
- Hashtag midfielder Percy Kiangebeni was on target against Concord for St Albans City in 2018.
- Hashtag defender Harry Haysom played in the Concord youth set-up before transferring to Leigh Ramblers.
Head-to head
- Concord wins: 0
- Draws: 0
- Hashtag wins: 0
When we meet
Hastings United
Stadium: Pilot Field (Capacity: 4,050)
Distance from the Aspect Arena: 74.1 miles
2022/23 table position: 8th
2022/23 top scorers: Joe Gbode and Ben Pope (12)
Manager: Paul Barnes
2022/23 average attendance: 908
Last season saw Hastings United narrowly miss out on the playoffs in their first campaign back at step three level, with the U's ending the season three points off the top five.
Since the season's end manager Gary Elphick has moved on to become a coach at National League South outfit Worthing and has been replaced by former Dulwich Hamlet boss Paul Barnes.
As well as the replacement in the dugout there has also been plenty of change on the pitch as well with: James Hull, Ryan Worrall, Jake Elliott, Sam Adams, Kane Penn, Finn O'Mara, Jack Dixon, Louis Rogers and Alex Brefo all opting to move on from Pilot Field.
To add further salt to the wounds last season's joint top scorers Joe Gbode and Ben Pope have left. The former has returned to his parent club Gillingham whilst the latter has made the move to league rivals Whitehawk.
Barnes has responded by making 10 new signings as he looks to make this Hastings side his own.
In defence, goalkeeper Charlie Grainger arrives having played under Barnes for Dulwich last term. Defenders Jason Fregene and Bailey Akehurst are both new at Pilot Field.
In midfield, experience has been added through Tyler Christian-Law from Faversham Town and former Colchester United and Wrexham man Dominic Vose who has recently spent time in Iceland and Gibraltar. Finally Michael Phillips has dropped two steps after his release from Barnet following the Bees' playoff defeat to Boreham Wood.
The attack has seen the most change with four new signings. John Ufuah and Femi Akinwande have both joined from league rivals Billericay Town and Carshalton Athletic respectively; whilst Ibitayo Oyebola and Tushaun Walters have arrived from step four outfits Leatherhead and recently relegated Herne Bay.
From last season's squad Ollie Black, Craig Stone, Tom Chalmers, Knory Scott, Kian Moynes and Freddie Legg have been retained with attackers Finley Chapman and Alfie Peacock moving up from the youth squad.
Given the departure of key individuals on and off the pitch at Hastings another playoff push seems unlikely for the U's.
Concord links
- Hastings summer signing Femi Akinwande played for Concord during the 2017/18 season and also scored against the Beach Boys for Billericay in 2019.
- Concord summer signing Dominic Locke struck against Hastings for Brightlingsea Regent last term.
- Fellow Concord new boy Luca Albon found himself on target against the U's last season when with Canvey Island. Albon netted the Islanders' second goal in a 3-1 win.
Head-to head
- Concord wins: 1
- Draws: 1
- Hastings wins: 0
When we meet
Hornchurch
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Stadium: Hornchurch Stadium (Capacity: 3,000)
Distance from the Aspect Arena: 21 miles
2022/23 table position: 2nd
2022/23 top scorer: Sam Higgins (35)
Manager: Steve Morison
2022/23 average attendance: 643
One of the early title favourites Hornchurch will look to go one better this season having lost a second playoff final in a row last term.
12 months on from their playoff heartbreak against Cheshunt, history repeated itself at the Hornchurch Stadium as Aveley won promotion to the National League South thanks to a 1-0 win.
As a result of this manager Mark Stimson left the club to take on the reigns at step four Grays Athletic -taking striker Charlie Stimson with him.
In his place former Cardiff City manager Steve Morison has decided to take on the role of managing the step three club, just 16 months after leading Cardiff to an FA Cup tie at Anfield.
Despite this managerial shakeup most of last season's side has remained the same with only Mickey Parcell, Rickie Hayles, Chris Dickson, Jamie Mascoll, Lamar Johnson and Ola Ogunwamide leaving the Essex side.
From the 2022/23 squad 12 players have been retained, namely: Joe Wright, Nathan Bertram-Cooper, Jordan Clark, Remi Sutton, Ellis Brown, Joe Christou, Ollie Muldoon, Lewwis Spence, Tom Wraight, Sam Higgins, Liam Nash and Ade Yussuff.
Furthermore, Morison has taken advantage of a healthy budget to bring in some inspiring new faces.
Former Southend United goalkeeper Harry Seaden has arrived from Billericay Town with whom he was ever present for last season.
Two years ago Tommie Hoban was signed by then League One outfit Crewe Alexandra, however he retired without making an appearance. This summer the 29-year-old has opted to come out of retirement in order to represent the Urchins.
Also new in defence are Nathan Green and Ryan Scott who both made last season's Isthmian Premier Division team of the season whilst playing for Folkestone Invicta and Aveley respectively. Scott was the man who condemned Hornchurch to step three football last season having scored Aveley's winning goal in last term's playoff final.
In 2022/23 experienced winger Sean Scannell made two appearances for League Two side Grimsby Town, but following his release by the Mariners has chosen to drop down three divisions to join Hornchurch.
Another player making a large drop down the football pyramid is Jack Leahy who has linked up with his former Cardiff academy manager Morison.
Dagenham & Redbridge's George Saunders has also dropped down the leagues to re-join the Urchins, despite making 20 National League appearances for the Daggers last term.
Finally Concord midfield pair Jack Munns and Quentin Monville have made the move to Hornchurch.
Morison has managed at a much higher level and inherits a squad that oozes class for this level and has added to it with a number of eye-catching additions. Surely this has to be Hornchurch's year...
Concord links
- Concord's new goalkeeper Lamar Johnson made the move from Hornchurch this summer; and was in goal when the Urchins faced the Beach Boys in the BBC Essex Senior Cup.
- Hornchurch's Joe Wright, Ryan Scott, Sam Higgins and Liam Nash are all ex Concord.
- Hornchurch new boys Jack Munns and Quentin Monville made a combined 27 appearances for Rangers in the National League South in 2022/23.
Head-to head
- Concord wins: 1
- Draws: 0
- Hornchurch wins: 0
When we meet
Horsham
Stadium: Camping World Community Stadium (Capacity: 1,950)
Distance from the Aspect Arena: 71.4 miles
2022/23 table position: 7th
2022/23 top scorer: Jack Mazzone (24)
Manager: Dominic Di Paola
2022/23 average attendance: 920
Last term Horsham just missed out on the playoffs with the Hornets finishing the campaign two places and points outside of the top five.
The 2022/23 season was a memorable one for the Sussex side with Dominic Di Paola's men ending the campaign with the second highest goal tally in the league and the highest average attendance in the division - 920.
In a bid to break into the playoffs this time around Di Paola has retained the majority of last season's squad with only Eddie Dsane and Taylor Seymour departing the Camping World Community Stadium.
As well as keeping most of their key players the Hornets have strengthened their ranks with six new signings.
Midfielders Danny Barker and James Hammond both faced off against Concord in the National League South last term for Worthing and Eastbourne Borough respectively. Despite helping their teams to league positions of 4th and 8th they have both opted to drop down a step to play for Horsham.
Making the move to Horsham from fellow step three clubs are Charlie Harris, Lewis Carey and Guyana international Matt Briggs who arrive from Whitehawk, Lewes and Gosport Borough.
Finally defender Sami El-Abd has moved down two steps from National League outfit Dorking Wanderers.
Retaining the majority of a squad that narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season and adding further quality to it suggests that the Hornets should be able to enter the top five this time around. Either way Horsham should be there or thereabouts come April.
Concord links
- Horsham summer signing Charlie Harris found himself on target against Concord in 2017 when with Eastbourne Borough. The midfielder scored the Sports' first goal in their 3-1 win.
- Horsham midfielder Tom Richards scored at the Aspect Arena in 2019. Netting for Dorking Wanderers in an enthralling 3-3 draw.
Head-to head
- Concord wins: 1
- Draws: 1
- Horsham wins: 0
When we meet
Kingstonian
Stadium: Imperial Fields (Capacity: 3,500)
Distance from the Aspect Arena: 61.4 miles
2022/23 table position: 18th
2022/23 top scorer: Tyrese Owen (10)
Manager: Simon Lane
2022/23 average attendance: 248
Last season saw Kingstonian finish just above the drop zone in 18th place but a comfortable six points clear of relegated Bowers & Pitsea.
Since then business has been quiet in the capital with the main news coming from the London club being that they'll spend another season playing home games at Tooting & Mitcham's Imperial Fields.
Despite only narrowly avoiding relegation last time around, Simon Lane has been slow to bring in new recruits and currently Kingstonian have only announced the retention of seven members of last season's squad and have announced no new signings.
In terms of retainees, defenders Matt Drage and Corey Parchment will spend another campaign with the K's.
In midfield Emmanuel Adebiyi, Darnell Goather-Braithwaite, Charlie Greenwood and Lee Lewis have all opted to remain at Imperial Fields as well as striker Tom Collins.
Meanwhile defensive pair Sean Bonnett-Johnson and Danny Dudley have left the club for Concord Rangers and Chipstead respectively.
Last season Kingstonian were the third lowest scorers in the division - with only relegated Corinthian Casuals and Brightlingsea Regent scoring less - so adding some more firepower to the K's ranks will be vital.
However with business being so quiet at Imperial Fields another season of struggle looks likely.
Concord links
- Concord summer signing Sean Bonnett-Johnson spent last season with Kingstonian where he was a regular - racking up 37 appearances in red and white.
- New Concord goalkeeper Lamar Johnson kept a clean sheet against Kingstonian last season when with Hornchurch in the Urchins' 3-0 win over the K's in March.
- Kingstonian's Tom Collins scored a penalty past Johnson in Hornchurch's final day 2-1 win over the K's.
Head-to head
- Concord wins: 4
- Draws: 0
- Kingstonian wins: 2
When we meet
Lewes
Stadium: The Dripping Pan (Capacity: 3,000)
Distance from the Aspect Arena: 85.2 miles
2022/23 table position: 6th
2022/23 top scorer: Joe Taylor (37)
Manager: Tony Russell
2022/23 average attendance: 803
One of this summers biggest spenders, Lewes have dipped deep into their budget in an attempt to break into the playoffs having just missed out last season.
The Rooks have lost some members of last campaign's side with goalkeeper Lewis Carey joining playoff rivals Horsham and midfielder Razzaq Coleman De Graft making the jump up to step two joining Maidstone United. Will Salmon and Rhys Murrell-Williamson have also moved on from The Dripping Pan, and experienced defender Tom Champion has retired from the game.
In response Tony Russell has recruited seven new signings who are all capable of playing at a higher level.
Midfielder Alfie Egan made 14 appearances for Dorking Wanderers in the National League last term but has opted to drop down two steps to join Lewes.
Also new in the centre of the park are Keiran Murtagh and Chris Whelpdale who join from Dartford and Eastbourne Borough respectively having made a combined 63 appearances in the National League South last term.
Defender Ronnie Vint also spent 2022/23 at step two level making 30 appearances for Dulwich Hamlet, but has signed for Lewes this summer following the Hamlet's relegation in April.
Jake Elliott, Arthur Penney and former Beach Boy Frazer Shaw are also new at the Dripping Pan; joining from Hastings United, Millwall and Faversham Town respectively.
However the most important piece of business done by the Rooks this summer was retaining 37 goal striker Joe Taylor for another season at step three level.
With Taylor sticking around and some impressive buys from step one and two clubs, Lewes should be able to break into the top five this season.
Concord links
- Lewes summer signing Frazer Shaw spent time at Concord from 2020 up until 2021.
- Another of Lewes' summer signings Chris Whelpdale scored against the Beach Boys for Eastbourne Borough in 2020 and for Chelmsford City in 2019.
- Lewes new boy Alfie Egan scored for Ebbsfleet United against Concord in 2021; netting an early opening goal in the Fleet's 2-1 win.
Head-to head
- Concord wins: 1
- Draws: 0
- Lewes wins: 1
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