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This from the National League:
It may still be March, but our first relegation has already been confirmed - and this weekend we could know the identity of two of the clubs joining the party next season.
We will say goodbye to Leamington, who have run out of time to save themselves from a return to the Southern League following their midweek loss to King’s Lynn Town.
The clocks go forward on Sunday, which means it’s crunch time for the Step 3 teams that harbour hopes of playing National League football next season, and for those in the EFL who certainly don’t!
As we try to get our heads around the permutation, here’s who could be coming up and down over the next few weeks.
League Two
With our clubs still awaiting 3UP, it’s understandable that the fear factor still exists when it comes to losing your EFL place.
With two teams going down, just two points separate the bottom four. Barrow, our 2020 champions, and Harrogate Town, who went up with them six years ago, are in the drop zone.
Just outside, Newport County and Crawley Town are teetering, with the Red Devils hoping for that new manager bounce with Colin Kazım-Richards appointed this week. Tranmere Rovers aren’t safe either, despite their six-point cushion.
Southern League Premier South
Walton & Hersham are potentially 90 minutes away from promotion into the competition for the very first team.
The Surrey side have shaken off the loss of manager Billy Rowley, who left for Yeovil Town in November, to storm 18 points clear. The Swans go up if they beat Dorchester Town, and if Farnham were to drop points against Chertsey Town.
Both of those are in the play-off picture, and with two going up from each of the four feeder leagues Poole and Gloucester City are also in the top five. Sholing, Gosport Borough and Berkhamsted are loitering with intent just outside!
Northern Premier League
If only it was half as straight forward in the Northern Premier League Premier!
There’s a quite incredible title race going on. FC United of Manchester are just one point ahead of Hednesford Town, with the teams playing on Easter Monday, and also Hebburn Town, who are second.
Warrington Rylands and Stockton Town occupy the other two play-off spots, with Gainsborough Trinity only outside of goal difference. What a league!
Southern League Premier Central
It’s a two horse race for the title, and it’s going to need a number of twists to stop Harborough Town clinching promotion.
The Bees, who played in the FA Cup second round in 2024, have never played National League football and want to do it in their 50th year.
Spalding United are trying to stop them, and if they can’t they will likely have to topple Real Bedford in the play-offs, with Halesowen Town, Quorn, Redditch, Kettering and Needham Market all in the mix for promotion.
Isthmian League Premier
We could have two teams joining us this weekend, but Folkestone Invicta need a lot to go their way.
If the Kent club beat Carshalton Athletic, Aveley lose against Cray Wanderers and Chatham Town fail to beat fourth place Brentwood Town then Jay Saunders’ team will win the title.
There’s two other familiar names trying to win back their National League South place. Billericay and Dartford are either side of the play-off line while Cray Wanderers and Burgess Hill Town have an outside chance of a top five finish.