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The 10th of August sees the return of Non-League to our calendars with teams vying for promotion to move up the pyramid. In this article, Matthew O'Regan previews a team from each step 2 division and their title chances.
Chester FC have had a tumultuous few years since replacing the liquidated Chester City FC in 2010. The Seals have finished in the playoffs twice in the last five seasons, even finishing 3rd in the 2022/2023 season.
The Seals only won two of their last 12 games last season, a run of form that saw them slip out of the playoff places to finish mid-table. They do, however, look well-versed to challenge at the top this time around.
When Chester came third in 2023, they boasted the best defensive record in the league. Only Tamworth conceded fewer goals than Calum McIntyre’s side last campaign. The National League North has become synonymous with tight defences dominating, as opposed to the goal-gluttonous National League South.
Despite their solid defence, The Blues struggled in front of goal, scoring the fewest of any top-half team. However, the return of Kurt Willoughby, who scored 20 goals in a prolific 2022/2023 season for Chester, is sure to raise optimism in Cheshire.
Their strong defence has also been added to, with Connell Rawlinson (Notts County), Mitch Hancox (Altrincham) and Jordan Hunter (Gateshead) dropping down to the sixth division.
Chester have one of the most highly rated managers in non-league, a big fanbase, solid defence and a goalscoring target man – all the tools needed to win the league.
Best Bet: Chester to win the National League North @ 8.00 - bet365
The National League South looks as close and as exciting as ever this year, with plenty of teams fancying themselves for the title. Dorking, who suffered relegation from the National League, top the betting @5.00, while defeated playoff semi-finalists Maidstone and fellow relegated side Boreham Wood come next. The fourth favourite are cash-strapped Torquay United. There are a cluster of teams priced @17.00 to win the league, and one in particular stands out.
When Adam Murray was appointed as Eastbourne Borough manager in January, The Sports were sat in 21st, engulfed in a relegation battle. However, the highly-rated manager steered them to safety, with Borough eventually finishing six points and two places above the drop zone.
New owner Simon Leslie has lofty ambitions for Eastbourne Borough, with the Football League as the aim. Turning the club into a professional club was his first port of call - a transition Eastbourne seemed to struggle with. However, as the season went on, Borough looked more comfortable, losing just one of their final 11 games.
The club is booming off the pitch, with season-ticket sales increasing ten-fold and talks of new facilities prominent. Now, owner Simon Leslie wants a squad to match his lofty ambitions.
Thus far, the Sport have made an abundance of impressive signings. George Alexander scored eight goals in just 16 games for Chelmsford last season and has made the switch to the South Coast - a clear indicator of the financial pull Eastbourne now possess.
Alife Pavey will be his strike partner. Pavey was signed for relatively big money for Woking but the 28-year-old failed to make an impact and was subsequently let go. Still, he has previous for goalscoring at this level, having scored 22 in 38 for Dartford.
Exciting winger Jayden Davies joins from fellow Sussex club Crawley having been pivotal in Braintree's promotion last season, while Isaac Pitblado signs from Hampton & Richmond having shone at the Beavers. Michael Klass looked bright at spells at Worthing and Maidstone and augments a strong midfield.
Eastbourne Borough have a National League North promotion-winning manager, an ambitious owner and a strong squad. Their price of 17.00 to win the National League South looks too good to turn down.
Best Bet: Eastbourne Borough to win the National League South @ 17.0o - Bet365
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