A look ahead at how things stand in National League North ahead of our game on Tuesday…
By Matty Paddock - 11/01/2022
Posted 4 years ago
It’s been almost a full calendar month since Harriers were last in National League North action, and to say that it’s been eventful would be an understatement!
Firstly, the managerial changes. Chester dispensed with the services of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley at the end of November, installing former York City boss Steve Watson in his place. The managerial duo were not out of work for long though, replacing Tommy Miller at Spennymoor Town after a run of poor results. Most recently, and perhaps most surprisingly, was the sacking of Craig Elliot at Boston United. Elliott ended his four-year tenure with The Pilgrims in the play-off positions.
Brackley Town remain top of the table, just ahead of Gateshead, while Chorley sit in third. Jamie Vermiglio’s side are currently enjoying a seven-game unbeaten run which includes victories over AFC Fylde and, most recently, Gateshead, who themselves got back to winning ways against Bradford (Park Avenue) last night.
Also sat prominent in fourth place are AFC Fylde, who are yet to play a game in 2022. Even with Harriers’ inactivity in terms of the league, Russ Penn’s side still sit in fifth place and have four games in hand on Brackley. A resurgent Southport occupy sixth place, buoyed by Marcus Carver’s 12 league goals and an 11-game unbeaten run, prior to his departure to Hartlepool. Rounding off the play off positions are Boston United, who ended a three-game losing streak with a goalless draw against Gloucester City on Saturday.
Down the bottom end, Paul Carden’s AFC Telford side remain rooted to the foot of the table, five points from safety whilst Tuesday night’s visitors to Aggborough, Farsley Celtic, occupy 21st position. Guiseley sit a place above them by virtue of a superior goal difference. One side who have enjoyed a stellar Christmas period are Blyth Spartans, who managed to beat Spennymoor Town and Gateshead to begin to pull away from the dropzone. Their mini revival was temporarily halted on Saturday though, as Adam Lakeland’s Curzon Ashton prevailed in an entertaining 3-2 game to remain eighth.
Only six points separate Boston United in seventh place and Hereford in 16th, with Kettering Town and York City holding three and two games in hand on the play offs, respectively.
A word for Alfreton Town here, who are currently enjoying a somewhat symmetrical season. Sat in 11th place, Billy Heath’s side have won, lost and drawn three each of their nine games at the Impact Arena with their away form still to yield a draw; played ten, won five lost five.
Shane Wilkinson
This article is about: Match
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