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After Chesterfield won the National League at a canter in 2023/2024, this season's title race looks one of the closest in years. Just six points separate Forest Green, York, Barnet, Oldham and Gateshead after 18 games. In this article, we look at the title odds and those jousting for promotion to the Football League.
Sat in fourth place are former Premier League side Oldham Athletic. The Latics currently sit fourth in the league, just six points off current leaders Forest Green. Due to the club's size and history, Oldham are blessed with a big budget that is the envy of a lot of the league.
Micky Mellon is the current manager and was lambasted for his pragmatism after taking over in October 2023, but he has Oldham in good form this year. His side have lost just twice this season, scoring 29 goals in 18 games. The tactical nous and experience of Mellon, mixed with the goals of Mike Fondop (7) and James Norwood (6), should set the Latics in good stead,
Rivals Rochdale are up next, before three games against teams in the bottom six. Unless Oldham finds a way to turn their draws into wins, they may fall just short of automatic promotion.
Prediction: 4th place
Gateshead currently sit fifth in the league, behind Oldham on goal difference. Last season, The Head were denied the opportunity to play in the playoffs due to their ground not meeting EFL regulations. With Mike Williamson leaving in October 2023, the club looked internally to appoint Rob Elliott as the new manager.
The 38-year-old impressed in his year in charge and was poached by Crawley to replace Scott Lindsey. Former player Carl Magnay was given his first taste of management when he was appointed, and he's had a solid start.
Attacking, exciting football is engrained in the Gateshead DNA, and Magnay fits into this. They have scored 30 goals so far. At home, they have been impressive, winning seven, drawing one and losing one of their nine games at the Gateshead International Stadium.
However, their defence and away record may let them down, accumulating just 12 points away, conceding 24 goals in the league.
Prediction: 5th Place
York are the third favourite for the league, priced significantly shorter than Gateshead and Oldham. Adam Hinshelwood was appointed as the new manager in February, swapping Worthing for York, looking to steer the Minstermen to safety after a tumultuous season under Michael Morton and then Neal Ardley.
With safety secured, Hinshelwood was given a big budget to hone his squad, and the 40-year-old has his side in second place. They have lost just twice this season, losing at home to Boston United and current leaders Forest Green,
York have scored 33 goals this season, a total bettered only by Barnet and Forest Green. Defensively, they've been resilient, boasting the joint-best defensive record in the league with just 14 conceded.
A mix of big crowds, a big budget and a squad with unique togetherness, don't be surprised to see York pushing the whole season.
Prediction: 2nd place
The current leaders are Forest Green. Promoted to League One for the first time in their history in 2017, Rovers suffered back-to-back relegations to play non-league football for the first time in nine years.
After the success of title-winning manager Rob Edwards, Dale Vince gambled on inexperienced appointments such as Ian Burchnall, Duncan Ferguson, David Horseman and Troy Deeney. The string of managerial appointments were unsuccessful, with the vastly experienced Steve Cotterill appointed in January.
The 60-year-old got a tune out of a stuttering club, but it was to no avail as Rovers were relegated. Fourteen players were let go, and eight were signed, with players such as Ben Tozer, Liam Sercombe, Tom Knowles and Adam May dropping down from the EFL to play at the New Lawn.
Rovers are looking impressive, already sitting two points clear at the top. Of their 18 games, Forest Green have played 11 away from home, including Barnet, Rochdale, Sutton, Gateshead and Oldham away. Of these games, they have lost just twice. Based on the evidence this season, it will take a lot to knock Forest Green off their perch at the top of the table.
Prediction: 1st
Barnet were the pre-season favourite for the title and are still priced as such, despite being sat in third.
Dean Brennan's side are the league's top scorer with 38 goals scored in 18 games. The Bees have only drawn one game, losing five - three more than their three closest competitors.
At the Hive, Barnet have a near immaculate record, winning eight of their nine games, only dropping points in a 0-0 stalemate with Oldham.
The main worry for the Bees' title credentials is their defensive record. Barnet have conceded 23 goals already. They also struggle on the road, losing five of their nine games. Dean Brennan must find a solution to these two issues if Barnet are to get promoted.
Prediction: 3rd
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