Page 11 - Cheltenham Saracens FC v Moreton Rangers 020123

NPL Premier
South Shields
Surely this year? The north-east side perhaps still feel aggrieved the 2019-
20 season was declared null and void when they were cantering towards
glory. Last season they were beaten in the play-offs. The decision to part
ways with Graham Fenton and appoint Kevin Phillips caught many off-guard
but the former Sunderland striker is faring well, with an FA Cup first round
appearance earlier this season too.
Hyde United have played two games more and a three points adrift,
Gainsborough Trinity are looking good, while Marine boss Neil Young has
won this division before.
Bamber Bridge, FC United, the two Warringtons, Town and Rylands and
Matlock Town…the list goes on of teams who aren’t all that far back in a
very congested division.

Isthmian Premier
Hornchurch
Mark Stimson’s Hornchurch cling onto pole position, but only by the skin of
their teeth after a 4-1 defeat at closest rivals Bishop’s Stortford on Boxing
Day.
Stortford, who also drew with third-place Potters Bar Town just before
Christmas, now trail the Urchins by a single point with Cray Wanderers in
third, two points further back but having played three games more. Newly-
promoted Aveley’s excellent first season at Step 4 continues, they lie fourth
going into 2023.
Southern Premier Central
Tamworth
Andy Peaks left Rushden & Diamonds in a strong position to take over a
struggling Tamworth side. This is why. Fast-forward a few months and the
Lambs are fulfilling their potential and have the fans dreaming of a return
to Step 2 and maybe even beyond.
Nuneaton Borough are three points behind but Leiston would leapfrog both
of them if they win their two games in hand. Exciting stuff.

Southern Premier South
Weston-super-Mare
Scott Bartlett’s Seagulls are in the box seat and have a game in hand on
Truro City and Chesham United in what is looking like a three-horse race.
Truro were held 3-3 by landlords Plymouth Parkway on Boxing Day, leaving
them three points adrift. With Dayle Grubb in their ranks and in-form and
experience elsewhere, Weston are always going to be a dangerous prospect
with daylight between them and their rivals.