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The best and most intense time of the football season is now upon us, with the playoffs starting this week. In this article we will look to predict the winners of the playoffs in Step Two - National League South and National League North.
The National League South title race was one of the most dramatic non-league has ever seen, with six teams in title contention on the final day. Ultimately, Truro held firm and secured the title, meaning the other five and Maidstone have had to settle for the playoffs. Psychologically this could favour Maidstone who have accepted their fate weeks ago, so it will be interesting to see the playoff dynamic.
Looking at the market, Eastbourne Borough (2.87) and Torquay (3.00) are the favourites due to having home advantage and one less game to play, but some teams at bigger prices have caught my eye.
Dorking (13.00), finished 6th in the league but are priced as the rank outsiders. Marc White's side face Boreham Wood in the quarter final, before facing second place side Torquay away. If they get to the final it will be an away game against Worthing/Eastbourne Borough or a home game against Maidstone.
The Wanderers have only lost one of their last 19 league games and boast the best away record in the league - yet to lose on their travels since early November. This and their previous playoff experience makes them dark horses.
However, Worthing (8.00) look well versed to win the playoffs after two previously unsuccessful campaigns. The Rebels went into the Easter Weekend top of the league but 1-1 draws away at Eastbourne Borough and at home to Dorking saw them end up in fourth.
Chris Agutter's side were clinical in the final day 1-5 triumph at Enfield, with the 42-year-old boasting a plethora of options in attack, as well as creative maestros in Danny Cashman and Jack Spong. It is uncertain whether Cashman will be fit for the playoffs, but Agutter has options to beef up the midfield if not.
Prediction: Worthing To Win The Playoffs @8.00
Kidderminster (2.25) suffered a shock defeat at Southport on the final day of the season, allowing Brackley to sneak in and secure the title after dismantling lowly Farsley Celtic. They join Scunthorpe (2.62) as the favourites for promotion, with Chester (8.50) trailing behind.
While I believe Kidderminster are the strongest team in the playoffs, the National League North playoff picture looks incredibly tough to predict. Therefore, Buxton (29.00) would be my outside bet for promotion. John McGrath's side snuck into seventh place on the final day and I think that momentum will see them over the line.
The Bucks must travel to Deva Stadium to face Chester - somewhere they have already emerged victorious. They would then travel to face Kidderminster - a team they have drawn against twice already. Kiddy also missed out on the title on the final day, so will be deflated, whereas the visitors may be buoyant after a shock win.
Buxton are also the only team to win at Attis Arena this season so won't fear Scunthorpe if it's them in the final. They are massive underdogs in the battle and this suits them to a tee.
Prediction: Buxton to Win The Playoffs @ 29.00
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