With pre-season now upon us, it’s time for our media manager to embarrass himself by making wild predictions of who is going to finish where in the forthcoming Pitching In NPL Premier Division season.
With a huge bias for our Morpeth Town, and tongue firmly in cheek, let’s see what he thinks lies in store for the 22 teams all looking to finish top of the tree…
Guiseley
The team that came down from National League North, Guiseley will be one of the favourites to go straight back up. There has been a raft of changes and new signings over the summer so there’s always the unknown in that regard. But it will be one of the fascinating stories of the season to see how they fare in an ultra-competitive Pitching In NPL Premier Division.
Prediction: Can’t help but think whoever finishes above them wins the title
Hyde United
The Tigers went through colossal change last season when Jim Gannon joined and left in the same season. Results weren’t going well and change was needed. Nick Spooner arrived and turned it round, but players such as Cameron Fogarty, Harry Benns, and Jack Sherratt have left in a busy summer at Hyde.
Prediction: It will be interesting to see how Spooner gets on with a full season under his belt. A mid-table finish and managerial stability would be a positive.
Lancaster City
After playing them in the league twice, the FA Cup once and the FA Trophy last season, it’s safe to say we know a fair bit about Lancaster City! Experienced operators in the NPL Premier Division, they know how to get results and do so in an effective style. Losing Liam Brockbank to Altrincham is a big blow to the Dolly Blues, but keeping stopper Curtis Anderson is a bonus, despite interest from higher up the league pyramid.
Prediction: Strong at home, no-one likes going to the Giant Axe on a Tuesday night and that can work in their favour as they mount a play-off spot push.
Liversedge
The victor in an incredible two-horse race in the division below, they pipped Marske United to the crown through sheer volume of victories. Week after week after week, the two teams kept on winning. But Liversedge beat their rivals towards the end of the season to ensure the league title. It will be fascinating to see how they get on in this tier, with a few players having left after a successful season.
Prediction: Hard one to work out but this is a step up and a big challenge awaits. Mid-table would be great for any newly promoted side.
Marine
Just a little bit of fame when they were drawn to face Spurs at home in the FA Cup, they will have pocketed a huge amount – using the clever idea of selling virtual tickets as Covid restrictions prevented crowds at the time – that can be transformative for non-league sides. The megastars may have knocked out Marine on the day, but the Merseyside outfit used that cash to drive the club on to promotion and shiny new 3G pitch that they’ll need to adapt to quickly.
Prediction: A hard one to work out but mid-table security must surely be the aim, if not a bit higher.
Marske United
When you’ve got a goalscorer like Adam Boyes in your side, you’ve got a chance anywhere you go in non-league football. A ridiculous record propelled them to promotion via the play-offs, and they’ll settle quickly at this level. Make no mistake, it wouldn’t surprise anyone in North East football if they were pushing for a play-off spot come the end of their debut campaign at the highest level they’ve been in their history.
Prediction: There may well be a play-off push in the offing at Mount Pleasant if they hit the ground running.
