The Opposition - History
St Neots Town FC was formed in 1879 (originally “St Neots”) and quickly found success, winning the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup in 1888–89 and several times more before 1900. They played in local leagues, achieving a double in 1901–02. Renamed St Neots & District in 1924, they later joined the South Midlands League, winning it in 1932–33, and entered the United Counties League in 1936. After WWII, they were founding members of the Metropolitan League, winning the league and cup double in 1949–50.

The club was renamed St Neots Town in 1957. They rejoined the UCL in 1967, winning the league and league cup, and made their best FA Cup run in 1966–67, reaching the first round. After league changes and fluctuating fortunes, the club was disbanded in 1988 due to financial issues but was reformed in 1990 and re-entered senior football in 1994, winning the UCL Division One at their first attempt.

Ambition grew in 2009 with high-profile signings, including ex-Premier League players. Under manager Dennis Greene, they won the UCL Premier Division in 2010–11 and then the Southern League Division One Central in 2011–12. A turbulent period followed with frequent managerial changes. Despite instability, they won the 2013–14 Hunts Senior and Southern League Cups. In 2015, club ownership passed from chairman Mike Kearns to his son, Lee.

(Source - Wikipedia)

Manager Cameron Mawer took over in May 2023.

A journey of around 104 miles awaits the Nailers today.

The Opposition - This Season
Pre-season was very positive for St. Neots, despite losing their opener against Yaxley.
They won six out of their next seven, drawing the other and scoring 21 goals in the process.
Four goals were put past Shefford and Dunstable while seven were scored at Kempston.
The competitive season began last weekend with a fine 7-1 win over Great Yarmouth Town in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.
Kieran Barnes helped himself to a hat trick and the Saints were 5-0 up at half time. When Yarmouth's Sam Adams saw red on the hour mark, Christian Tavernier converted the penalty but that was the last of the scoring.

2024/25 stats

League (1st): P 35 W 28 D 3 L 4 F 101 A 36 Pts. 87

Top goalscorers: Rhys Thorpe (28), Kieran Barnes (20)
Most appearances: James Goff (44), Rhys Thorpe & Sam Willis (42)
Biggest victory: 3-0 vs. Edgware & Kingsbury (17th August)
Heaviest defeat: 2-5 vs. Eynesbury Rovers (26th December)
Highest home attendance: 338 vs. Barking (31st August)

The Nailers
Belper began pre-season with a draw against their cross-town rivals Belper United.
Defeat to Step 3 Barwell followed on a scorching Leicestershire evening before another draw with the Burton Albion Academy.
The Nailers picked up a victory at the fourth time of asking away to Gresley before back to back 4-1 defeats against Matlock Town and Chasetown.
The final friendly last weekend saw a late Keaton August goal secure a win over Congleton Town,

Head to Head
This will be a first meeting between the sides.
The return fixture at the Raygar Stadium is scheduled for Saturday, 20th December.

Form Guide (all comps)
St. Neots Town: W
Belper Town:

Team News
Full team news will be announced at 2:15pm, there are no major injury concerns or suspensions.

Permutations
With this being the season opener the winners will be near the top of the table and the losers will be near the bottom!

Match details
St. Neots Town vs. Belper Town
Northern Premier League Midlands Division
Saturday, 9th August 2025 - 3:00pm kick off

Premier Plus Stadium
Kester Way
St. Neots
PE19 6SL

Admission prices: Adults £10 / Concessions £7 / Under 18s £1 / Under 5s Free (with accompanying adult)

Follow the match
Full coverage of the match:

• Audio commentary with Tom on Radio Belper Town
• Full text coverage on X, Facebook and Bluesky
• Match reports on the website (all matches) and in the Non-League Paper (Saturday matches only)

NPL Midlands fixtures
AFC Rushden & Diamonds vs. Shepshed Dynamo
Basford United vs. Sutton Coldfield Town
Boldmere St. Michaels vs. Rugby Borough
Bourne Town vs. Coleshill Town
Coventry Sphinx vs. Mickleover FC
Lichfield City vs. Anstey Nomads
Long Eaton United vs. Corby Town
Loughborough Students vs. Wellingborough Town
Racing Club Warwick vs. Bedworth United
Rugby Town vs. Carlton Town
St. Neots Town vs. Belper Town