February Focus: The National League North Title Race

By Tom Feaheny

We have looked at the top three teams in the league who all have a chance of claiming top spot by the end of the campaign.

While we have only picked the three most likely, some of the sides in the play-off places know a fantastic run starting from now could see them take first as well.

Salford City

Bradford Park Avenue (H)
York City (A)
Alfreton Town (A)
Tamworth (H)

The team topping the table is Salford City who saw their lead at the top of the league reduced to five points after losing last weekend, this Saturday they can restore the gap to eight as they are the only side out of the three in league action.

It is not an easy month for the Ammies who face two sides fighting for a play-off place, a team finding form and Andy Morrell's Tamworth who will prove a tough test.

Salford have defeated all four of these sides in the first match this season, although all were by a single goal, with York City knocking them out of the FA Cup, if they can get past this month with the points difference in tact they have a great chance of going up.

Harrogate Town

Leamington (A)
Kidderminster Harriers (A)
Alfreton Town (H)
Spennymoor Town (H)

Simon Weaver's Harrogate Town don't play in the league this weekend so will be hoping there fellow Yorkshire side Bradford Park Avenue do them a favour at Salford City. Harrogate have two tough away trips to start with Leamington and Kidderminster Harriers, they drew against both of these at the CNG Stadium earlier in the campaign.

Also while at home their form is impressive, away it is five losses out of six going into these two games, they know that will need to be improved if they are to close the gap.

They then take on a resurgent Alfreton Town and play-off chasing Spennymoor Town, so it is again not an easy month, in this league no points are guaranteed.

Brackley Town

Blyth Spartans (A)
North Ferriby United (H)
Darlington (H)
Gainsborough Trinity (A)

Brackley Town currently find themselves nine points off top but with a game in hand and the confidence boost of a fantastic and so far unbeaten home record this season.

They are in FA Trophy action this weekend so will have eyes on how the table toppers get on at home, they then face a team fighting for a top seven spot and three teams competing to stay up.

Kevin Wilkin's side have defeated all four of these sides so far this season and know a 100% win rate in February could see them make a considerable leap towards grabbing top spot.

Pic by Charlotte Tattersall

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