NOW MACCA HAS RAISED THE BAR!
MARK CARRUTHERS
NLP Reporter
Best Moment
Heaton Stannington v Blyth Spartans in the Northumberland Senior Cup semi-final – a very random but perhaps personal moment! Having witnessed Heaton Stannington’s journey from Northern Alliance to step five Northern League Division One club, it was a real honour to witness them post a club record crowd (1,339) and to see the dedication of volunteers across the board pay off in the fine style.
Team of the Year
It’s all well and good having a sizable budget but finding the right players to mould them into a cohesive unit is another. Worksop Town’s stats back up their claims with one defeat in
38 games, 112 goals scored, 99 points and a staggering positive goal difference of 87.
Manager of the Year
There is always a thought process suggesting you go for a league winner but Luke Williams has brought so much out of Notts County and has made them one of the most watchable sides in the Non-League game. Their style of football and work ethic deserved their promotion, no matter how it came about.
Player of the Year
Macaulay Langstaff. It’s hard to look elsewhere really because even after witnessing Macaulay’s stunning season at Gateshead last year, I can safely say I did not see this season’s outrageous performance coming. But it is testament to dedication, the right attitude and a determination to striving to become even better.
Best Game watched live
Gateshead 3-3 Barnet, FA Trophy semi-final. For the best part of the first-half, this one looked like a precession for Gateshead as their weakened side strolled into a three-goal lead that could and perhaps should have been great. Around an hour later, after a fine comeback and a last-ditch equaliser, the Bees took it to a shoot-out that they lost as the Heed secured a first major cup final appearance at Wembley.
What to Watch in 2023/24
Relegated sides and how/if they bounce back. This feels very negative and perhaps it is! But there are several bigname clubs that suffered relegation across the board and I’m intrigued by how the likes of Hartlepool United, Rochdale, Scunthorpe United are able to cope with life at a new level and if they can bounce back in highly competitive leagues.
ROB WORRALL
NL Full-Time Podcast
Best Moment
It has to be the amazing atmosphere at Wembley just a few weeks ago for the National League Play-Off Final. 38,100 witnessed it and for so long, it looked like it would be Chesterfield’s day, only for Notts County to somehow find a way to stay in it and eventually prevail.
Team of the Year
Across the season, Notts County were probably the best footballing team I have seen in the top tier of Non-League in the 12 years I’ve been reporting or commentating on it. Front foot football, with great tempo, full of creativity and so many goals from open play!
Manager of the Year
Luke Williams was a strong contender, but I’m going for Mike Williamson. For Gateshead to lose both Langstaff and Scott, yet still go on to establish themselves at a higher level, speaks volumes for the job he has done. Stuck to his principles, did it playing a good brand of football and took ‘Heed to Wembley too!
Player of the Year
Aldershot Town’s Tyler Cordner was the player I saw boss the most games, for Shots and for England C. Cool, calm and collected at the back and a constant menace when foraging forward. He scored eight goals and assisted a few too, with his eye for a defence splitting pass!
Best Game watched live
Aldershot Town 3 Wrexham 4 – Paul Mullin was imperious in the first half, scoring twice, three times if you count his outrageous back heel that was given as an own goal. But Shots’ battled back bravely after the break and were level on 90 mins, only for Sam Dalby to head home from a corner in added time.
What to Watch in 2023/24:
The National League South should be a highly competitive league next season, especially in the south west where Bath, Taunton, Torquay, Truro, Weymouth, Weston-superMare and Yeovil will all be in the same division! In the North, Scunthorpe United’s early signings are a real statement of their intent!