PREVIEW: Cradley Town (A) - Lutterworth Athletic

Cradley Town vs Lutterworth Athletic: Season Opener at Beeches View

Friday 31st July 2026

And just like that, the 2026/27 season is here.

Dan Carter's team make the trip across the Midlands to Beeches View to face Cradley Town in the first fixture of the new Capelli Sport Midland Football League Division One campaign.

Kick off is 3pm on Saturday 1st August, with and entry is £8 for adults and £5 concessions on the gate at Beeches View, B63 2HB.

Atho will be hoping to continue the impressive performances and results they earned in pre-season most recently against higher level opponents in Bugbrooke St Michael's and Nuneaton Town.

As for opponents Cradley Town, they head into the new season having kept key members of the squad that impressed last time out, including captain Lucas Muckley and prolific goalscorers Callum North and Club Player of the Year Kane Harrold.

The Hammers have earned wins over AFC Stratford, AFC Somers and FC Darlaston in pre-season friendlies ahead of the new campaign.

It could be an entertaining clash once again, as recent meetings between Atho and Cradley Town have produced goals.

This fixture was played on March 17th 2026 last season, and finished 3-3 at Beeches View.

Ben Whitehead-Thompson, Taylor Blyth and Joshua Thompson were all on the scoresheet for Atho that evening, but it still was not enough for all three points as Callum North scored a hat-trick for the hosts.

Earlier in the season, the reverse meeting in Lutterworth went the way of the hosts.

A Kane Harrold brace and North goal sealed a 3-1 win, with Adam Shaw scoring a consolation goal for Atho.

Any travelling support is greatly appreciated and if you are unable to attend, do be sure to follow us on our social media platforms for team news and match updates.

From everyone at the club, we wish all the best to the First Team for the year ahead.