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At last a challenge for me.
The days of predicting obvious leagues is over.
Wild cards abound, new faces combined with
familiar old faces make this season’s league
more tricky than usual. I’ve applied a bit
more Pledge to my crystal ball just in case. My
record speaks for itself and there can be no
doubting my powers. To read my predictions is to
understand the mysteries of the universe. Why do
I do it? Because I can. There are those who say
this is just a bit of fun. Far from it, indeed I
fully expect some teams not to fulfil their
fixtures when they realise they are doomed to
relegation. You have been warned.
(Webmaster's comment - some
fans / teams have been known to take this feature
far too seriously...chill out, it really is only
a bit of fun!!)
TOP
Bamber Bridge
Were in real danger of gaining automatic
promotion last year by playing a fast attractive
brand of football. Only a few wobbles at the back
cost them dear.
Colwyn Bay
Back in the Northern fold after being made to
travel to the nether regions of Leicestershire
for most of last season. Well supported club both
on and off the field. Desperate for success but
seem to have developed an annoying habit of
losing their best strikers.
AFC Halifax Town
Unknown quantity. A football league club less
than 10 years ago. Financial problems saw the
original Halifax club go into administration. The
fans have stuck by them, Witton’s boss has
been secured and things could get a bit lively if
they get on a roll.
Newcastle Blue Star
Got cold feet last year about staying in the
Unibond, but stuck with it and the money is again
pouring in. Half of Gateshead’s side has
been secured, so they’ll be used to playing
in front of a cavernous empty home ground.
Probably the most attractive team at Shawbridge
last year.
Skelmersdale United
Tommy found his strikers to complement the
attractive brand of football he turns out. Pipped
at the post by FC United at the final hurdle, but
the Wembley style surface at Skem suits Tommy
down to the ground.
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MIDDLE
Chorley
My only predictive blind spot. Only a matter of
when rather than if this lot reassert themselves.
With Tony Hesketh at the helm and a close season
behind him, I fully expect the shoots of revival
to start this season.
Durham City
Won the Northern league at a canter for the past
two seasons, but looked to chance their arm at
the higher level this year. The distance and
artificial surface allied with a handy side will
cause problems.
Garforth Town
Set off like a steam train before settling for
mid table. Second season will be interesting.
Rumours that
they’re sponsored by the local abattoir
strongly denied. About as Brazilian as Ronnie
Biggs.
Harrogate Railway Athletic
The FA Cup experts, who could not manage to
reflect their first round success in the league.
Indeed, towards the end of the season, they
looked very jaded, although there are still some
fine attacking footballers in their ranks.
Lancaster City
Flattered to deceive last year. Were positioned
to kick on into the play offs but the moment
passed.
Great set up, reasonable support but might not
have the X factor.
Ossett Albion
No money and no crowd to speak of, but losing all
their best players doesn’t seem to interrupt
their stride. Like to play football.
Rossendale United
The Blues’ bete noire, Derek Egan, has got
his side playing fluent, attractive football.
After their well documented off the field
problems, there appears to be some stability
returning. Expect fireworks every time our two
clubs meet.
Trafford
Winning the NWCFL will have put the wind in their
sails as they return to the Unibond. Anticipate
them being tidy but without the financial or
crowd muscle to cause problems.
Wakefield
Making the old Emley boss manager reaped instant
dividends as Wakefield soared effortlessly out of
trouble. Could be a dark horse, although there
will be no fans to watch what happens.
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BOTTOM
Curzon Ashton
The second season is always the hard one. Still
negligible support, but the results kept on
coming throughout last season.
Mossley
Downbeat season last year, with the fans losing
faith and the financial side of the club
undergoing a major downshift. Could struggle.
Salford City
Runners up in the NWCFL last year, had a tendency
to flourish money in the first dozen games to see
where the season was going. Think they’ll
struggle.
Radcliffe Borough
Bizarre last season under their belt where they
were unstoppable in the cups but only just strung
enough results together to avoid relegation late
on. An enforced change of manager has seen them
secure the services of Chorley’s old boss.
Will struggle.
Warrington Town
The one team, which knows I tell the truth. Have
not set the world on fire over the past couple of
seasons. Don’t see it happening this.
Woodley Sports
For the first time in their upward trajectory,
Woodley just avoided relegation. The plastic
pitch will always give them a hand, but their
brand of fast passing football appeared to have
disappeared as quickly as the money evaporated.
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Clitheroe
And what of the Blues. The green shoots
are there for all to see on and off the pitch.
Expect a challenge for a Play Off spot.
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And as for the winners, I can see a three
way battle between Newcastle, Halifax and Skem,
with the Geordies just shading it.
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