Following the resignations of Kettering and Darlington from the Football Conference, the Lions will tread new ground next season when they visit the dreaming spires of Oxford. City came up via the play-offs after finishing second in the Southern League Premier, eight points behind Champions Brackley, which is some 25 miles north of Oxford and not far from the world-famous Silverstone F1 circuit, where the British Grand Prix is held.
The other newcomers include old foes Bradford Park Avenue and Chester, whose ‘previous existence’ the Lions last met in the First Round of the FA Cup several years ago, when as Chester City they were still a League team. The long journeys to Gloucester and Bishop’s Stortford remain, but at least a trip to the East Midlands has been retained as Hinckley United have been reprieved from relegation.
The full list of clubs for the 2012-13 season is:
- Altrincham
- Bishop’s Stortford
- Boston United
- Brackley Town
- Bradford Park Avenue
- Chester
- Colwyn Bay
- Corby Town
- Droylsden
- FC Halifax
- Gainsborough Trinity
- Gloucester City
- Guiseley
- Harrogate Town
- Hinckley United
- Histon
- Oxford City
- Solihull Moors
- Stalybridge Celtic
- Vauxhall Motors
- Worcester City
- Workington
