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Mystic Anorak

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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