LEAGUE titles may well be decided by the time our National Game Awards in association with the Non-League Footballers’ Association roll around – but there will still be something on offer that all top sides will want to win.
Red Insure, who already support the Southern League with sponsorship of their League Cup competition, are now backing our Team of the Year award.
As ever, we need your help to make sure the most deserving team is rewarded at our bash which takes place at Fulham’s Craven Cottage home on Wednesday, May 20.
The Vanarama Conference may not have seen a runaway winner stamping their authority on the division like we’ve seen in recent years but the title race is now an exciting three horse race.
Barnet have been the pacesetters throughout the season, boosted by the goals of the formidable John Akinde.
Relegated from League Two, Bristol Rovers could become the first team in a decade to book an instant Football League return which just tells you how good a season they’ve had.
And Grimsby are still knocking on the door and have maybe just come into form at the right time. But me must also look at unfancied Macclesfield who have done so well.
Despite their big budget, Eastleigh have impressed since promotion last season and part-timers Woking, FC Halifax Town and Dover should at least be in the conversation.
AFC Fylde and Chorley are hunting back-to-back promotions with both flying high at the top of the Conference North but Darren Edmondson’s Barrow are in pole position.
All three Conference divisions look set to go down to the wire with Boreham Wood, Bromley, Basingstoke and Havant & Waterlooville all still in the South discussion. All four clubs know the division inside out and a few nerves will be jingling before the last ball is kicked this season.
At Step 3 it’s hard to look past FC United of Manchester who finally look like they will jump the Evo-Stik NPL Premier hurdle. They, of course, also made it to the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy.
While Maidstone might be at the top of the Ryman Premier, and credit must go to them for that, Hendon must also be given their dues.
Competing in a division with big budgets and big reputations, Gary McCann’s men have lasted the pace and the fact they’re still in with a chance of winning the league shows how well they’ve done.
Corby Town and Poole Town are set to slug it out for the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier crown with the Dolphins beating their rivals last week in the Red Insure Cup final.
Burgess Hill Town were England’s first league champion when they sealed the Ryman South last Saturday while Needham Market and Harlow Town are leading the way in Ryman North.
Salford City, backed by the Class of 92, are challenging Darlington 1883 to the NPL Division One North while Mickleover Sports have enjoyed a terrific season in the South.
And of course we can’t forget the Southern League Step 4 champions. Merthyr Town and Kettering Town are both on their way back up the Pyramid and they’re in with a shout of taking home our award. Let us know who you think should be rewarded at our big bash.
Either email your vote to [email protected] or tweet us using the hashtag #NGAVotes
