There’s been a number of stories coming out of Step 2 this season, with the likes of Hemel Hempstead pushing the play-off spots and making the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, whilst Buxton have set up a Second Round tie at Cheltenham.
However, it’s the league form of several clubs that has been capturing the eye of supporters across the country. We take a look at the four clubs who have been a hit or a miss so far this season.
Starting in the National League North, it’s Merthyr Town who have caught the attention of many.The Welsh outfit hail from Merthyr Tydfil, just 23 miles north of Cardiff, and find themselves at Tier 6 after earning promotion from the Southern League Premier last season, pipping the likes of AFC Totton and Walton & Hersham to the title.
Since arriving in the National League North — despite playing in the Southern Premier last year — Paul Michael’s Martyrs are competing at the top end of the table.
A string of strong results has them in the play-off positions, with several eye-catching scorelines along the way.Sixteen of Merthyr’s matches this season have featured over 2.5 goals, including wild games such as a 6–4 defeat at Spennymoor, 6-2 win over Alfreton and a 4–3 win over fellow newly-promoted Bedford Town.
A concern, however, is their defensive record. Heavy defeats — 4–0 at Kings Lynn and 5–0 against Radcliffe — highlight where improvements are needed.
But Merthyr look in little danger of dropping into a relegation fight. With more consistency, they could have plenty to play for come April.
Towards the bottom end of the table, life has been far less positive for Kings Lynn Town.Despite a play-off finish last campaign, the Linnets currently sit only a handful of points above the drop zone, and optimism at The Walks is in short supply.
Controversial manager James Rowe was dismissed just nine games into the season after a poor start deemed unacceptable by new owners Turn Sports Investment from Singapore.
Kings Lynn then appointed former manager Ian Culverhouse from St Albans City. Form has improved slightly, including a first win in seven at home to Leamington and a draw at high-flying South Shields.
But an FA Trophy exit at home to Harrow Borough will leave Culverhouse with plenty to ponder as he attempts to revive the Linnets in his third spell at the club.
In the National League South, two clubs are punching above their weight — newly-promoted Horsham, who find themselves in the play-offs, and Weston-super-Mare, who sit second and have reached the FA Cup Second Round.
But it’s league leaders Hornchurch who are capturing the imagination of many non-league supporters.
The Urchins, led by Irishman Daryl McMahon, finished 9th in their first season at Step 2.This time around, they have started in blistering form in a league full of big clubs chasing a place at the pinnacle of non-league football, despite being priced as 40/1 outsiders for the league.
They’ve lost just once — to local rivals Chelmsford — and have beaten Weston-super-Mare, Dorking, Torquay and Farnborough.
While Hornchurch are punching above their weight in terms of club size, success is not new to them.They lifted the FA Trophy four years ago and have enjoyed play-off and title-winning campaigns since.
Their average attendance of 815, compared to Torquay’s 3,400, shows the gulf in size between McMahon’s side and many rivals. Time will tell if they can maintain their grip on the league’s only automatic promotion spot.
Meanwhile, on the south coast, Eastbourne Borough are facing a campaign far removed from the success of last season.
Adam Murray guided a young squad to a third-place finish, missing out on the title by a single point in one of the most competitive Step 2 races in recent years, eventually won by underdogs Truro City.
Murray left for Kidderminster Harriers in the summer, with former Sutton boss Matt Gray taking charge at Priory Lane.However, Gray failed to win a league game and was dismissed, with former manager Tommy Widdrington returning after winning the FA Trophy with Aldershot in May.
Since his return, Eastbourne have picked up two away wins — at Maidenhead and Enfield — but their wait for a home league victory continues. Their form is still short of what’s required to stay up.
Widdrington faces a tough task to galvanise the squad and maintain their National League status, with just 12 points from 18. games, losing 7-0 at Torquay.
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