The fight for survival is reaching its critical stage as teams fight to remain in the National League. In this article, I will be giving my thoughts on who will go down and who will stay up in the National League.
Staying Up
York City – As mentioned in previous articles from myself, I am a big fan of York City and Adam Hinshelwood and I back them to stay up, despite a poor season overall I think they have one of the best managers in the league and they should be able to get a wins towards the end of the season and stay up.
Maidenhead United – Maidenhead are a team who probably go under the radar but have been solid for a number of years at this level, probably one of the smallest clubs in this division but have always found a way to stay up and be competitive year after year.
Ebbsfleet United – Ebbsfleet have picked up form at the right time as they have pulled themselves away from relegation danger. Since the appointment of Danny Searle, The Fleet have been one of the best teams in the league and have surely secured their safety in the National League.
The Bottom Four
21st Woking – Woking have been very poor this season considering where they finished last year. A team who were tipped by many to potentially go up this season have been one of the worst sides the year. The problem with Woking has been poor recruitment and their lack of creativity at the top end of the pitch and as it stands I don’t see Woking staying up.
22nd Dorking Wanderers – Dorking are a team who everyone wants to stay up but unfortunately I can’t see it happening, Marc White is the legendary manager and owner of the club but the National League has been too big of a step for them. Dorking have struggled with many injury’s this season but it doesn’t hide away from how poor they have been this season. I do hope Dorking stay up but unfortunately I think they are going down.
23rd Kidderminster Harriers – If you were talking to me in November and you asked did I think Kidderminster had any chance of staying up I would have said no absolutely not, however since Phil Brown has become the manager, Kidderminster have been one of the most inform sides in the league picking up huge wins against Solihull, Hartlepool and Oldham. However I do think Kidderminster will go down as the opening 3-4 months of the season were absolutely horrendous for them but I do think Brown will be able to help them get promoted next season.
24th Oxford City – I’m not going to go into too much depth on this one as it already looks like Oxford are down. A team who have punched above their weights for the past few years, Oxford should have proud of their success in recent years and should remember this season for a long time. Oxford have had some good memories this season such as a 5-2 victory over Hartlepool United. Overall a good season for Oxford despite the relegation and one they can have huge pride about.
Finally Thoughts
Overall I think this relegation battle could go down to the last day as many teams are still in this battle. Overall I do believe these teams are the ones that will go down but it will be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks.