Dates for new season confirmed

THE National League have confirmed the start dates for the 2021/22 season across their three divisions.

It is just over two months since the North and South Divisions saw their current campaign brought to a premature end as the Covid-19 epidemic continues to wreak havoc with the non-league game.

The likes of Blyth Spartans, Darlington, Gateshead and Spennymoor Town will now bring an end to their wait for a league game when the new North Division season gets under way on Saturday, August 14.

Hartlepool United will hope to already be in competitive action in League Two when the 2021/22 National League season gets underway a week later than the North and South divisions.

David Challinor’s side are currently in second place in non-league’s top tier and head into tonight’s visit to Dagenham and Redbridge looking to cut the four-point deficit to leaders Sutton United.

With a ten-point lead over eighth-placed FC Halifax Town, it seems increasingly likely that Pools will secure at least a play-off place come the end of the season.

However, if they are unsuccessful in securing promotion back to the Football League as champions or play-off winners, they will get their fifth National League campaign underway on Saturday, August 21.

After receiving criticism for their handling of the Covid-19 epidemic, there was some positive news for the National League earlier this month after title sponsors Vanarama agreed a three-year extension to their current deal.

Chairman of the National League Brian Barwick said: “We are delighted to continue our title sponsorship with Vanarama and thank them for their steadfast support.

“This enhanced arrangement will take our partnership up to eleven years. That speaks volumes about the confidence we both have in each other.

“The National League has found a great organisation to work with and we are pleased Vanarama find the relationship to be equally rewarding.

“We all look forward to four more years growing our unique partnership.”