Champions Saturday
Seven teams could well be lifting the title this weekend.
It is the final countdown for teams at steps 2 to 4 this weekend as the regular season comes to a thrilling conclusion.
This Saturday could well be the greatest day of some supporters' lives as they can finally say, ‘We are the Champions, my friends.’ Okay, I will stop with the song-related puns now.
However, this weekend we could see several champions finally receive their crowns.
The National League goes on for another week, but even then, they could crown their champions on Saturday. Barnet just need a point at home against FA Trophy finalists Aldershot Town to win the league for a record-breaking fourth time.
If it doesn’t happen this weekend, then it could be a May Day coronation for the Bees away in Lancashire at AFC Fylde.
Not too far from AFC Fylde is Southport and they could be hosting a title party this weekend, but for visitors Kidderminster Harriers.
The Harriers need a victory over the Sandgrounders to seal an instant return to the National League. It would be some achievement for the side managed by former Hull City boss Phil Brown as they are unbeaten in their last 13 league games, having not lost since late February at Spennymoor.
Should they slip up, then Brackley Town are ready to pounce. The Saints always seem to be the National League North’s bridesmaid as despite consistently finishing in the playoff places, they’ve never got over the line.
If both teams win on Saturday, then Gavin Cowan’s side (who host relegated Farsley Celtic) will need a 22-goal swing to finally achieve promotion.
Should both of them slip up, Scunthorpe United are waiting in the wings to claim the championship. Scunthorpe were many people’s favourites for the title and were in pole position going into the Easter weekend programme. However, a defeat at King’s Lynn Town on Good Friday saw them relinquish top spot.
Down in the South, you would have seen the madness that is the National League South.
Six, yes SIX, teams can win the NLS with Truro City leading the pack on goal difference from the likes of Torquay United, Eastbourne Borough, Worthing, Boreham Wood and Dorking Wanderers.
Goal difference could well come into play as Truro will start the day with a better goal difference of two goals from Torquay United. We could even have a situation where Truro defeat St Albans City but Torquay score two more goals than Truro, at Hemel Hempstead, to take the championship.
A lot more words should be devoted to this title race, and if you want additional reading, then head over to Ian King, where he goes into some depth on it all.
Outside of the National League, we still have more drama to come this weekend.
In the Isthmian League Premier Division, three teams are locked on 84 points. They are Billericay Town, Horsham and Dartford.
Dartford could have been top had they not drawn 2-2 with Cray Wanderers on Easter Monday. Now they have to hope that Billericay Town slip up against Cheshunt as well as Horsham at home to Hashtag United. Dartford, for the record, host Carshalton Athletic.
Just on the subject of that league, the winners of the Chichester City vs. Dover Athletic game will take the final playoff place. A draw will favour Dover as they are 5th with a better goal difference.
Moving slightly north, we find Bedford Town and Kettering Town battling it out at the top of the Southern League Premier Central Division.
The Bedfordshire club are just three points ahead of Kettering. However, it’s the Northamptonshire side who have the better goal difference.
A point at home to Stourbridge will be enough for Bedford to claim the title, but if they lose and Kettering defeat Banbury United, then it will be the Poppies who will be celebrating.
In the Southern League Division One South, Yate Town just need a point at home to Didcot Town.
However, a Yate defeat coupled with a win of +3 goals for Evesham United at home to Bashley will see Evesham steal the championship.
Similarly, Widnes just need a point at Trafford to claim the Northern Premier League West title ahead of Hednesford Town.
Widnes have surprised a few, me included, by lasting the distance, and it looked like they had blown it on Good Friday when Hednesford went top (although had played a game more), but a 0-0 draw against Nantwich before winning 3-1 at Vauxhall Motors returned them to the summit. Also, Hednesford only getting a draw with rivals Stafford Rangers on Easter Monday helped the Widnes cause.
The Pitmen are at home to Runcorn Linnets, knowing that if Trafford were to beat Widnes, then they will need to get all three points against a side who have conceded nine goals in their last two games.
So, we are all set for so many spills and thrills from 3 pm this Saturday and, come 5 pm six (possibly seven if Barnet get the job done) teams will be popping the champagne, lifting the trophy and toasting a job well done, and very much so with how tight the leagues are.
For the rest, it will be time to dust yourselves down and get ready for those playoffs. Oh yes, they are nearly here.
Great round up Rich! So much to keep your eyes on this weekend and below those levels as well.