That means clubs know what kind of campaign they’re in for. And it also means it’s half-term report time!
We’ve assessed each club, based on expectations and performance, and given 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!
Hampton & Richmond
Hampton & Richmond Borough
There’s a three-way tie at the top of the National League South so it was extremely tough to pick our top club. Hampton have grabbed our A* due to their fantastic run of eight straight League wins.
A - Looking Good!
Braintree Town
Disappointingly relegated last season, Brad Quinton has come back to his former club and got them dreaming again. The Iron could be set for an instant return to the National League.
Dartford
Another club with significant experience in Non-League’s top tier. Tony Burman has once again got the Darts looking strong and they’ll be up there.
Havant & Waterlooville
Surprisingly relegated two seasons ago, Havant bounced back last year with the Ryman Premier title. Lee Bradbury has a talented squad at his disposal and they could win it all.
Hemel Hempstead Town
A very good away record has really helped the Tudors so far this season. Their recent 5-0 win at Whitehawk shows they have the killer instinct needed at the top.
Truro City
Boss Lee Hodges has conceded his side are overachieving. Like Hemel, their away form has been good. If they can make Treyew Road a fortress, Truro will be in the play-off shuffle.
B - Keep Up The Good Work!
Chelmsford City
One of the pre-season favourites, Chelmsford haven’t quite reached the heights expected of them so far this season. They’re still only two points off the summit and capable of going on a strong run.
Chippenham Town
Promoted last season, Chippenham have done well so far this term. They’ve only won one of their last five, however, and the departure of top scorer David Pratt could hit them hard.
East Thurrock United
A fantastic 4-0 win over Aldershot Town in the FA Trophy put the gloss on a strong first half of the season for East Thurrock. If the Rocks can tighten up at the back, they have a chance.
St Albans City
Another club that is in the play-off mix. Started the season with six straight wins but patchy recent form needs to be put behind them if the Saints are to remain in the picture.
Welling United
Had a disappointing season last time around following relegation from the National League. Current boss Jamie Coyle has the Wings dreaming of a return to the top table.
Weston-super-Mare
A young side, Weston have picked up some very good results but have also suffered disappointing defeats. If they can solve their inconsistency, the Seagulls could be a surprise package.
C - Could Do Better!
Bath City
Disappointed to lose boss Gary Owers to Torquay United, Jerry Gill was a shrewd appointment for the Romans. It could take time but Bath are still only five points off the top seven.
Concord Rangers
Three wins in a row have seen Concord climb the table after a run of six successive draws. If they can turn a couple of those into wins, they’ll be looking up again.
Eastbourne Borough
Away form has been good but their home results will have to improve. Boss Jamie Howell saw potential in Eastbourne and it’s his job to now unlock it.
Wealdstone
Just four points adrift of the play-off places, the Stones could easily break into them over the busy festive period. The recent signing of striker David Pratt could be key.
D - Not Up To Scratch!
Bognor Regis Town
It was always going to be a tough season for Bognor after Jamie Howell left following promotion from the Ryman Premier. They’ve battled well and are still in with a good chance of survival.
Gloucester City
It’s always going to be a tough battle at this level for Gloucester without their own ground. Tim Harris may have left but his replacement Marc Richards knows all about the club. It's going to be a scrap.
Hungerford Town
Losing manager Bobby Wilkinson was always going to be tough to recover from for the Crusaders. They’ll be hoping the recent win over table toppers Dartford will act as a springboard.
Oxford City
Have won three of their last five to climb out of the relegation zone. Their run to the FA Cup second round seems to have given them confidence but there’s still plenty of work left to do.
E - Must Improve!
Poole Town
It’s been a disappointing campaign for the Dolphins after missing out on the play-offs last term. Tom Killick is a legend at the club and has been given the backing to turn their fortunes around.
Whitehawk
Still without a win this season, it’s been a bleak few months for the Hawks. Steve King is back now but results need to start coming and fast if they’ve got any hopes of staying up.
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