To be 20 points ahead at this stage of the campaign is amazing. To put it into context, the margin is seven wins more than anyone else so far. Paul Cook deserves so much credit.
It’s hard to come back from a narrow play-off final defeat like they had last season at Wembley to Notts County. Mentally it can either throw you or galvanise you.
I’ve also got to mention one of my ex-players and friend Dean Brennan. He’s doing a fantastic job at Barnet. To have lost out to Boreham Wood in the Eliminator last year and then to be in the top three for the whole of this season, is a great achievement. I hope they do really well in the play-offs and I’ll be watching with real interest.
The same goes for Bromley, who have been so consistent and are fighting for second place – it would be their highest ever finish – and they’re already in the FA Trophy semi-final.
I’ve seen a lot of National League games this season – and some very talented players.
Marcus Dinanga at Gateshead for one. He was with me at Dartford, on loan from Altrincham, a couple of years ago. Honestly, I think they will do well to keep hold of him this summer. He’s got a bit of everything, an eye for goal and, even more importantly, he’s a good person. He could make the step up no problem. As could FC Halifax Town’s Andrew Oluwabori. He’s really stood out when I’ve seen him. So has Tyrese Shade, who is on loan at Solihull Moors from Swindon Town. His Moors’ team-mate, Joe Sbarra and Altrincham’s Chris Conn-Clarke are fantastic players too.
Josh Stokes at Aldershot and Fylde’s Nick Haughton always impress, Callum Stead has hit double figures Barnet – from out wide – and my former player Noor Husin, at Southend, is a great talent. Then Armando Dobra at Chesterfield – wow!
Denne historien er fra March 31, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra March 31, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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BRENNAN STINGS 'MOANY' BEES!
FRUSTRATED Dean Brennan has lashed out at the \"miserable, moany\" Barnet boo boys and urged them to get behind the team in their bid for promotion.
ACE REED WAITED TO MAKE A MARK
WHEN Mark Reed sensed his manager turn around to look his way on Tuesday night, he knew what was coming next.
CHURCH HAILS TEENAGE KICKS
DEBUTANT Dan Shaw got his teenage kicks with the rocket that fired Alvechurch to the top of the table.
LEES SO PROUD OF HIS SHAKERS
SUPER Shakers made it 14 games unbeaten this season after easing to victory against struggling NPL outfit Blyth Spartans.
SEVEN-UP A STONES
RONAN Silva turned in a four-star display as Salisbury highlighted the three-division difference in quality against their Wessex Premier opponents.
HORGAN'S RELIEF AT TOWN SIX APPEAL
CHIPPENHAM Town heeded manager Gary Horgan's prematch warning about a potential shock and despatched their Jewson Western League hosts.
BRAD'S LEVELLER RESCUES THE IRON
IN A terrific FA Cup second qualifying round tie, Step 4 Newcastle Town held National League North leaders Scunthorpe at Buckmaster Avenue.
WHING IS SURE IT'S MOOR OF THE SAME
A BRACE from Conor Wilkinson brought Solihull Moors back-to-back National League victories.
MOR'S U'S ARE BACK ON TRACK
SUTTON United got back to winning ways with a wel come victory at Southend United.
DUO GET THEIR JUST REWARDS
ENGLAND legend Stuart Pearce has made surprise appearances at two Trident League clubs to hail a pair of award-winning volunteers who earned national recognition for their inspirational exploits.