Evo Stik Division One South
Aquaforce is gone from the name and some of their star players have left, but Shaw Lane are still as strong as ever. They came so close to over-hauling runaway leaders Stafford Rangers last season. The memory of that still burns strong and it will spur them to try and go one better this time.
Manager
Craig Elliott
Craig Elliott and Shaw Lane chairman Craig Wood, with the NCEL Premier Division trophy, have enjoyed lots of success in the last two years
The former Harrogate Town striker has been in charge of the Ducks since February 2014. He has as excellent record as a manager. He lifted Glasshoughton out of the doldrums to promotion from Toolstation NCEL Division One in 2012 before a solid stint at Ossett Town. He has guided Shaw Lane to two promotions in three years since taking over.
Opening Five Fixtures
Chasetown (A), Sheffield FC (H), Colwyn Bay (H) – Emirates FA Cup, Stamford (A), Northwich Victoria (H).
Player Movement
Kieran Lugsden signed for Shaw Lane from Glossop, along with his brother Kelvin
In: Danny Frost (Ossett Town), Kieran Scargill (Handsworth Parramore), Darren Thornton (Bradford Park Avenue), Spencer Harris (Buxton), Jon Stewart (Bradford Park Avenue), Kieran Lugsden (Glossop North End), Kelvin Lugsden (Glossop North End), Darol Lucas (Ossett Town), Jason Yates (Hemsworth Miners Welfare), Ryan Qualter (Bradford Park Avenue), Joe Thornton (Goole AFC), Dan Wilkinson, Ben Algar.
Out: Ian Deakin (Kimberley Town), Matt Thornhill (Gainsborough Trinity), Matt Dempsey (Hyde United), Luke O’Brien (Farsley Celtic), Adam Priestley (Alfreton Town), Tom Morgan (Scarborough Athletic), Peter Davidson (Farsley Celtic), Rhys Meynell (Goole AFC), Lee Bennett (Buxton).
One to Watch
Jon Stewart (Goalkeeper)
Jon Stewart is the new goalkeeper at Shaw Lane AFC
Prediction
Title contenders
Interview
Craig Elliott
Shaw Lane AFC manager Craig Elliott
Shaw Lane AFC are going to face a huge test if they are to challenge for the title again, according to Craig Elliott.
Shaw Lane kick off the season at Chasetown and Elliott says there are lots of strong teams in the Division.
“It is going to be a good league this year and I honestly think there is going to be ten or twelve teams that start the season thinking they have a realistic chance of getting promoted,” Elliott told Non League Yorkshire.
“I’ve looked at a few teams and at who they have recruited and they are going to be some strong teams. I can’t see much separating the top ten teams.
“We’re still going to give it a go, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we could. Me and the chairman (Craig Wood) and we want to try and be successful again this season.
“We couldn’t do much more last season, we lost the league by a point and then lost in the play-off final.
“It was a good season, but we fell short. I think this season will be slightly different for us because we’re a totally different team.
“We have had to recruit and we have a different make-up. I do think we will be a hard team to play against.”