- This is Southport's first competitive meeting with Hebburn Town
- The sides are expected to play differently in their opener
- Hebburn have scored at least twice in each of their last three friendlies
No points on offer but plenty to prove
There's no doubt that this National League North opener between Hebburn Town and Southport FC on Saturday carries a 'real promotion test' feel to it, with both sides carrying the attributes required to perform well in a higher sphere, but neither having proven they have enough to get there.
No points have been played for in the 2026/27 National League North, but Saturday's game at The Green Energy Sports Ground will be all about setting a marker for how each side will need to play to be considered promotion contenders.
Attack-minded sides on display
Daniel Moore's Hebburn have built their rise through the football pyramid on a forward-heavy, wide-playing identity and they are set up to attack with real purpose. Gary Martin was one of their leading scorers last season and looks to be the focal point of the Hornets once again, while Tom Allan adds extra bite to the front line. He has some good goals to his name over the past few seasons and some experience of a higher level to boot, making him a smart choice as a goalscorer wager after his summer move from Darlington. Elliot Forbes is a National League North-ready player and Dan Myers adds useful defensive versatility through the spine, which could be crucial on a day like this. The visitors will arrive with a little more of that NNL experience, having built up during pre-season.
Back both sides to score
Southport are the slightly more established side in this division and Neil Danns has them looking solid, with a 4-3-3 shape that should see them control the midfield and be dangerous on the break.
They're a little more measured in their approach, but there's a double-figure goalscoring threat in Jordan Slew and they'll be the ones to watch in transition. Arthur Gnahoua and Teddy Lavelle add a punch up top and could get some joy if this game opens up a touch.
Hebburn's pre-season results have been mixed, with 5-0, 2-4, 3-3, 2-2 and 2-3 being the scorelines from their last five friendlies. They look lively, but also a touch leaky and their approach makes both teams to score at 11/20 look like a sharp alternative to the 27/20 available on the hosts and the 3/2 available on the away side as a slight favourite.
The visitors have a feel for this level
This could be a tight opener, but we want to lean towards the side with a feel for this division and the extra quality through the middle to edge things on the road. Southport are a solid, organised side that don't do much to get beaten, although there is a clash of styles here.
Hebburn like to go fast and wide, while the Merseyside club are a team that likes to spring forward from a compact shape. Whoever wins the transition battle and makes the wide channels work on their day will probably win this.
