A lot of changes have happened over the summer both on and off the pitch. Ashley Robinson and Gary Mulligan have taken over the managers role in a joint capacity, with Elliot Sandy assisting the pair.

On the pitch we have welcomed numerous players who have all been involved at some point over pre-season.

After a 3rd place finish last season, the Steelmen will be looking to improve on that and be involved in the title picture come April!

Opposition

League rivals for a second year running, The Ducks finished last season in 15th position.

Manager Ben Williams embarks on his second full season in charge at the Meadow and will be hoping that a new season will bring a fresh challenge. When the Steelmen ran out 2-1 winners at The Meadow in April, The Ducks actually had slim outside hopes of making the end of season play offs. Defeat though started a run of 4 loses and a draw to end the season and left them finishing amongst a host of teams who found themselves safe enough from the bottom 2 but not near enough to extend their season.

Having played 6 pre-season friendlies, The Ducks have won 3 and lost 3, 2 of those defeats coming in the last 2 matches, so they will be hoping to right the wrongs come Saturday.

LAST TIME WE MET

Corby Town picked up full points against Aylesbury United last season with a brace of 1 goal victories.

Back in November, Jordan Francis and Elliot Sandy gave the hosts an early 2 goal lead before Jack Wood scored an overhead kick and a strike from Tre Mitford tied the game up before the break. It was fitting though for top scorer Sandy to have the final say, who despite being surrounded by 4 defenders, headed the ball past the visiting keeper!

Then in April, the Steelmen headed to The Meadow, Chesham, and the Steelmen again found themselves 2 goals up in the first half. Sandy scored his 3rd goal of the season against the Ducks, getting on the end of an excellent cross from the left by Sam Warburton. Stephen Diggin then doubled the visitors advantage, a deft header from a right wing cross giving the Steelmen the 2 goal lead at the interval!

Corby then let the hosts get a grip on the game and were thankful to Dan George for numerous saves to keep them Steelmen in front. The Ducks did get a goal through Harry Jones but Corby held on to take home all 3 points!

STATS CENTRE

Corby have already played host to The Meadow landlords this month, with Southern League Premier side Chesham United leaving Steel Park with a 2-0 pre-season friendly win.
Following a summer of change, the Steelmen could be lining up with at least half a new squad this weekend!
This is the 2nd season running we kick off with an away match against a team playing as tenants in a different town/village. Last season we visited the village of Histon & Impington to take on Cambridge City, Sandy scoring a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

INFO FOR TRAVELLING FANS

ADMISSION PRICES

Admission Prices are £9 for adults, £6 concessions and £1 for under 16’s.

SUPPORTERS BUS

We still have 4 seats left on the supporters bus this weekend! Message Steelmen Travel Club on Facebook or Twitter to book your seat for £10
The bus leaves Steel Park at 11.30am!

TRAVELLING BY CAR

The Ducks play at The Meadow, Amy Lane, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1NE.
The car park at The Meadow is accessed via the main entrance drive and parking is free. There is limited on-street parking in the immediate vicinity of the ground – when using this please respect our neighbours and avoid blocking entrances.

Dont forget to come back on Sunday to view all of the photos and read our match report from the first league games of the season!