National League North Half-Term Report Time Is Here

That, of course, means we’re practically 50 per cent through the season. And it also means it’s half-term report time!

We’ve decided to assess each club, based on expectations and performance, and give them a grade based on their season so far. Is your club a whizz-kid or a classroom nuisance? Let’s find out!

A* - Top Of The Class!

Salford City

Not a huge surprise to see them leading the way but you can’t help but applaud the way they’ve dominated so far this season.

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A - Looking Good!

Blyth Spartans

Last season’s Northern Premier champions have done very well so far. Identical home and away records so if their Croft Park form improves, who knows?

Brackley Town

Unbeaten at home so far this season. The Saints have a squad full of promotion experience so don’t overlook them.

Bradford Park Avenue

In Mark Bower they have a manager with a National League North promotion on his CV. Avenue might be outsiders for promotion but they’re in the mix.

Harrogate Town

They give punters plenty of value for money! Town have netted 50 goals in the National League North and if they can tighten up at the back, will be a force.

Spennymoor Town

Like their north-east rivals Blyth, Spennymoor have started well after promotion last term. Their home form will be key.

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B - Keep Up The Good Work!

Chorley

Beaten promotion finalists last season, Chorley have had a decent start to the campaign. Goals have been a problem but if anybody knows how to stick the ball in the net, it’s boss Matt Jansen.

Kidderminster Harriers

A young team, Kidderminster have been up and down so far this season. They’ve got plenty of quality and are a dangerous side to face on their day.

Stockport County

Are things finally starting to fall into place for County? A lot will depend on whether they can keep hold of red-hot striker Jason Oswell.

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C - Could Do Better!

AFC Telford United

It’s been a bit all or nothing so far for Telford. Eight wins, ten defeats and just the one draw. The Bucks have quality in their ranks but they need to be more consistent.

Curzon Ashton

They’ve become a permanent fixture in the National League North now and that’s a huge credit to John Flanagan.

FC United of Manchester

With club legend Tom Greaves now in charge, there’s a feel-good factor around Broadhurst Park. A couple more wins and they’ll start looking towards the top seven.

Leamington

Promoted from the Southern League last season, Leamington boss Paul Holleran will probably be relatively pleased with his side’s start. They’ve taken more points on the road than at home and if that improves, they’ll climb the table.

Tamworth

The Lambs just can’t seem to get into any kind of run. One good result is followed by an indifferent one. Despite that, they’re just three points adrift of the play-offs and Andy Morrell knows what it takes.

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D - Not Up To Scratch!

Alfreton Town

The Reds have conceded too many goals recently and need to tighten up. They’re just three points above the relegation places and need to start picking up wins.

Darlington

It’s been a difficult season for Darlo so far. They lost boss Martin Gray to York in October and despite appointing fan favourite Tommy Wright, their form has been disappointing.

Gainsborough Trinity

Trinity finished a point above the relegation places last term and that’s exactly where they sit again at the moment. It'll be another season of battling for Gainsborough.

Southport

They’ve conceded 14 in their previous five league games. New manager Kevin Davies has a big job on his hands with the Sandgrounders.

York City

Current FA Trophy holders, you would have expected more from York following relegation from the National League last term. The majority of the squad was retained but results have been underwhelming.

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E - Must Improve!

Boston United

New boss Craig Elliott has inherited a tough situation at York Street. Boston would have hoped to challenge but they’ll need to escape the relegation zone first.

North Ferriby

It doesn’t take a genius to point out it’s been a miserable few months for North Ferriby. Yet to win at home and 14 points from safety, there’s a long way to go for the Villagers.

Nuneaton Town

Shocked when boss Tommy Wright departed for Darlington, Dino Maamria has since steadied the ship. Still second from bottom and performing way below expectations considering the quality in the squad.

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