For the third and hopefully final time, lets preview the arse clenching finale to the National League North and review what the teams in and around the shite have been up to.
Of course by now Bishop Stortford are down, and they’ve also pretty much dragged down Banbury United with them after they beat them on Easter Monday. It won’t shock you know that Banbury’s game with Hereford was rained off on Friday, but thankfully it was played last night (Wednesday) and they lost 2-1, despite Hereford trying their best to turn the game into one of those team MMA fights.
They can be relegated this weekend I believe, as can Gloucester City. They have managed to pull a few results out the bag in recent weeks, much like we did back in 2012. However just like us in 2012, it won’t be enough – and they’ll very likely be starting next season in the Southern Premier League Central where they’ll be one of the bigger sides in a rather weak league, so I’m sure we’ll see them again soon.
Farsley Celtic have really dropped off in recent weeks – having not won a game since 20 February against us (Blyth). Clayton Donaldson is under immense pressure, and will surely be gone at the end of the season no matter what. On Good Friday they did take a point from Southport, but were comfortably beaten by Spennymoor Town on the Monday. In the remaining 2 weeks of the season, they face Peterborough Sports (twice), Darlington and then Buxton on the final day. So their fate is in their own hands despite occupying the final place in the drop zone at the moment.
As for Rushall Olympic, they’ve probably surprised a few (especially me) by climbing out the relegation places, the bastards. They picked up a bit of a shock win over Boston United at the weekend, and with 3 wins in their last 4 (one was a Senior Cup game like but never mind) they’ll travel up to Blyth on Saturday full of belief and confidence. As for their game in hand, that comes against Bishop Stortford next Tuesday – so that’s an easyish 3 points. Southport and Warrington make up their remaining fixtures, and it pains me to say that these have a real chance of staying up.
Darlington’s good form looked like it was about to disappear altogether when they lost to Chorley at home Friday, especially as they controversially had a goal ruled out. A win on Monday at Warrington seems to have got them back on track, and will be a much needed boost ahead of some crucial games against Southport and Farsley Celtic. On the final day of the season they face a visit to Chester, who’ll be doing everything they can to secure one of the final play off places – which isn’t ideal for them.
For Blyth, it hasn’t been a good week – losing to both Curzon Ashton and Chorley over Easter. One of Spartans problems is simply leaking goals. We haven’t kept a clean sheet in 33 games in all competitions, and now established senior goalkeeper Alex Mitchell appears to be out with a concussion. The Rushall game on Saturday will be massive for us, and an absolute must win. In the final 2 games of the season we of course face both Scunthrope and Brackley, who should both be fighting for 2nd/3rd place and a bye in the play offs – which really isn’t ideal.
King’s Lynn are almost safe following their 2nd half of the season turnaround. With games against Peterborough Sports and Banbury on the cards, one more win should see them safe. The same could really be said of Southport, who are already safe for me. Peterborough Sports could really be dragged into it once again, if they lose both games to Farsley. But that’s a big if.
It could be agonisingly tight going into the final day of the season if my predictions are even close to this.
