As title sponsors Vanarama told us on Wednesday, that’s not the case this time around - and it’s really up for grabs!
Underlinding just how tight things are, any one of five teams could sit top of the table come 5pm on Saturday night.
Possession is ninth tenths of the law and Chorley the leaders know it will be them if they go to Chester and snatch a statement win.
Kidderminster Harriers are second, and were looking for a fourth league win in a row. But their game at Scarborough Athletic is off.
Scunthorpe also have a demanding away day - they go to Leamington, the only side in the division unbeaten at home this season.
Two of the other challengers have home advantage. Curzon Ashton are third and it’s improving Radcliffe up next.
There’s plenty of teams not too far behind them. Buxton have been brilliant at times lately and although Oxford City lost last time out too, they’re vastly improved under returning manager Ross Jenkins.
King's Lynn Town need to rediscover their form are three defeats in a row and Southport arrive on Saturday.
Elsewhere the teams at the bottom brace for an important weekend. Two of the bottom four sides meet when Marine entertain Needham Market in a six pointer.
Rushall Olympic are looking up at the rest, they are at home to Warrington Town. Farsley are just a few points outside the drop zone and they’re on the road at South Shields.
Elsewhere Peterborough Sports and Spennymoor Town meet - and see no reason why they can’t have a go for the play-offs.
National League North fixtures
Alfreton Town v Brackley Town
Buxton v Oxford City
Chester v Chorley
Curzon Ashton v Radcliffe
Darlington v Hereford
King's Lynn Town v Southport
Leamington v Scunthorpe United
Marine v Needham Market
Peterborough Sports v Spennymoor
Rushall Olympic v Warrington Town
Scarborough Athletic v Kidderminster H
South Shields v Farsley Celtic