Strong local showing gives added interest

NPL EAST PREVIEW

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THE Northern Premier League East Division should provide plenty of intrigue for North East supporters with nine clubs from the region preparing to challenge in non-league’s fourth tier this season.

For Dunston UTS, the main aim is to bounce back from two successive playoff final defeats and finally deliver a historic promotion into the NPLs Premier Division.

Jon McDonald’s side have enjoyed a largely positive preseason schedule and the Dunston manager has continued to boost his ranks with a season-long loan addition of Hartlepool United striker Josh Donaldson in recent days.

McDonald admitted the heavy North East influence will make the division even more challenging but he is looking forward to what lies ahead.