National League North: Your Final Day Big Preview
In a season where the National League North leadership has changed hands almost every other week, is there one more championship twist to come?
From an incredible three-team title fight to an intense battle to secure a play-off spot, there is still so much to play for.
We start at the top where a thrilling title race is reaching its epic conclusion. Kidderminster Harriers are in the driving seat and their mission is simple due to their far superior goal difference.
They travel to Southport knowing a win, in all reality, will be enough to secure an instant National League return.
“It’s another game of football, and we have to prepare properly,” manager Phil Brown said. “But this is going to be one of the biggest matches I have ever been involved in.”
Brackley Town are aiming to take advantage of any Harriers’ Haig Avenue wobble. However, their inferior goal difference means they need some help on Merseyside even if they win against already relegated Farsley Celtic.
Just behind the top two are Scunthorpe United, who know it will take an almighty swing for them to win it. To make matters even more challenging, they’re at Hereford - who may have to win to keep hold of their play-off place as things get very tense.
Chester are the only team who can rest easy, as they've already secured fourth and King’s Lynn Town hope they take the foot off the gas. Undefeated in their last six, Lynn need one more point to be sure.
Chorley are back in the top seven and will take their place with a win at already relegated Rushall Olympic but the teams sitting outside are lurking.
Curzon Ashton host Leamington, the Nash sit level on points with Hereford with equal goal difference. They trail due to goals scored, so both sides may need their scoring boots.
Buxton, in ninth, need to win at home to Warrington Town and hope one of Chorley, Hereford and Curzon fail to.
Spennymoor Town still have the opportunity to break into those play-off spots but require a win against Oxford City and a collapse above them.
As for relegation, the four teams have already been decided, meaning all they have left to play for now is pride.
National League North fixtures:
Brackley Town v Farsley Celtic
Buxton v Warrington Town
Curzon Ashton v Leamington
Darlington v Needham Market
Hereford v Scunthorpe United
King's Lynn Town v Chester
Marine v South Shields
Peterborough Sports v Scarborough Ath
Radcliffe v Alfreton Town
Rushall Olympic v Chorley
Southport v Kidderminster Harriers
Spennymoor Town v Oxford City
Where next?
