VANARAMA PROMOTION FINAL

BOSTON UNITED vs. ALTRINCHAM THE JAKEMANS STADIUM, BOSTON SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST 2020 – KICK-OFF 3PM

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PRESIDENT Brian Lee MBE VICE PRESIDENTS Jack Pearce, Lord Faulkner of Worcester, MBE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTENTS CHAIRMAN Brian Barwick VICE CHAIRMAN Jack Pearce CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Michael Tattersall 5 WELCOME TO THE GAME A Welcome to the game from Vanarama National League Chairman, DIRECTORS Brian Barwick and VanaramaVs Andy Alderson Shahid Azeem, Caroline Barker, Sid Blain, Anthony Kleanthous, Jim Parmenter, 7/8/9 SEASON REVIEW Richard Parsons, Garry Plant, Steve Sam Elliott looks back at the 2019/2020 season Thompson MBE, Tony Wilson, Graham Wood 10/11 THE STORY SO FAR OPERATIONAL SUPPORT DIRECTOR A Brief look back at the Eliminators and Semi-Finals Colin Peake LEGAL ADVISOR Mel Stein 22/23 CHAMPIONS CORNER HEAD OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT Sam Elliott and Oliver Osborn look at the Champions, King’s Lynn Town Gary Owers HEAD OF FINANCE Steve Brookfield 26 NATIONAL LEAGUE UNDER 19 ALLIANCE OPERATIONS MANAGER Michaela Garrard 27 NATIONAL LEAGUE TRUST REGISTRATIONS & EVENTS MANAGER Louise Edwards 29 FACTS & FIGURES ADMINISTRATION OFFICER A look back at how the season ended with final tables and leading scorers Melissa Whitmore 31 TEAMS ADMINISTRATION OFFICER A check on todayVs Squads and Match Officials Michelle Gibson MEDIA AND OPERATIONS OFFICER Oliver Osborn LIFE MEMBERS W.J. King, D.R. Reynolds, N. White, G.E. Smith, P.D. Hunter

CONTRIBUTORS: Sam Elliott, Tom Scott, Dec O’Reilly, Craig Singleton, Tim Hoff (Boston United), John Edwards, Brian Flynn, Michael Ripley (Altrincham), Printed and Designed by Dan Simmonite ( City), Jack JJ Sports Promotions Ltd McGraghan (Gateshead), Mark Hearle Telephone: 07771 802 048 (King’s Lynn Town), Ollie Bayliss, Daryl West, Sue O’Brien, Graham Hill.

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 03

WELCOME TO THE GAME BRIAN BARWICK THE VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAIRMAN regular season and play-offs to take season’s promoted sides adapted place behind closed doors. tremendously to their new surroundings in the Vanarama In times of suffering and great National League. challenge, we have seen a phenomenal amount of hard work The prize of promotion is now within from the 18 participating play-off reach for the two clubs competing in clubs to ensure these matches are the concluding match of a played within a safe environment. memorable season. For one club, Credit must go to those behind the there will be much joy at the full-time scenes at these wonderful football whistle, while the other will be in A very warm welcome to the clubs, who are not always recognised desolation, having fallen at the final Vanarama National League North for their herculean efforts. hurdle. Promotion Final matchday Congratulations to newly crowned May I close by wishing both clubs programme. Today’s game between champions King’s Lynn Town for and their supporters the very best of Boston United and Altrincham is an their tremendous performance, luck. Today is one where the saying exciting prospect. achieving promotion in their first ‘win with style, lose with grace’ is of The world has faced unprecedented season in the sixth-tier. The blueprint the upmost importance. times with the outbreak of Covid-19. for further success has been provided for them and the winners BRIAN BARWICK For The National League, Covid-19 Chairman of today’s match. Three of last has caused a curtailment to the The Vanarama National League SPONSORS WELCOME FROM THE COMPETITION SPONSOR - VANARAMA monumental effort by all involved Prostate Cancer UK and raised and the reason we have a great final further awareness of this awful to look forward to today. disease. A huge thanks to the clubs of The Vanarama North and their Both clubs here today might have fans for getting involved in their thought that the opportunity of numbers. promotion was off the table a few months back - yet here they are. Having football back provides a light That makes for an exciting at the end of the tunnel following a encounter and an opportunity to difficult period. end this season on a high. So, enjoy the live stream of today’s For Vanarama and The National final and I`m sure it won’t be long A warm welcome to the Vanarama League, the 2019/2020 season has before you’re all back in the stands National League North Promotion continued to see award-winning cheering on your team. Final between Boston United and success. Our MANarama campaign Altrincham won Brand Activation of the year at I hope you all have a fantastic day the Football Business Awards, supporting your team and the best The past few months have been beating off the likes of Barcelona of luck to both Boston United and tough, and I`d like to thank The and in the process! Altrincham. National League and its 68 clubs for their hard work in completing the More importantly we raised ANDY ALDERSON season behind closed doors. A thousands of pounds more for Vanarama CEO and Founder

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 05

BY SAM ELLIOTT departure of boss Nicky Eaden after a run of poor form. the man asked to kick-start their season - and what a job he did. Another new arrival to the division were having a ball. Farsley Celtic’s superb start saw Adam Lakeland claim the September Manager of the Month accolade. October was a month to remember for , who celebrated 500 games in charge of with a fourth home win on the bounce. Skipper David Morgan with the decisive strike against Brackley. The question already was could anyone stop York City? At the VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH end of the third month they were sitting pretty, undefeated at eight points clear. There would, of SEASON REVIEW course, be twists to come. (PA) were off the It turned out to be a season for slow starts. bottom for the first time this nobody could ever have predicted - season after new boss Bower got and the on-field action left us By the end of the first month we his teeth into their survival surprised in equal measure. had a flavour of what was ahead. challenge. Back in August, there was no sign York were August’s leaders with Kettering’s new management of what was in front of us. Little did ’s unbeaten side saw for themselves the size of we know back then how things winning six from eight. King’s Lynn, the task in hand, going into would play out on and off the pitch though, were hot on their heels - winter bottom but just one point in the months ahead. just a point behind. separated the bottom four. A newcomer ultimately stole the Former Cardiff City and Leyton One club nobody seemed to be show in the National League North Orient boss was talking about at this stage was but there was no evidence of King’s announced as the new manager of Altrincham. Lynn Town’s incredible feat on the but he wouldn’t see the first day of the season. They were season out. hammered 3-0 at , while really impressed in York City grabbed the headlines September and ended the month in thanks to a highly impressive 3-1 second behind York. win at dangerous Altrincham. But the biggest win belonged to By matchday two Guiseley had hit brilliant Brackley Town - with much eight goals without reply, Aaron credit due to Player of the Month Martin was on fire in that first James Armson. Their 8-0 thumping week as his hat-trick downed of Bradford (PA) saw interim Bradford (Park Avenue) who had manager Marcus Law leave, with suffered back-to-back 5-0 defeats. eventually returning There were two very early to the Horsfall Stadium. managerial exits. Avenue boss Kettering Town were in need of a Garry Thompson and Hereford’s new manager as well. The both paid the price newcomers announced the

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 07 VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH SEASON REVIEW

Adam Marriott outscored man to replace outgoing every other player in boss Mike Cook - with England’s top seven the club heading home leagues by this point - next season, they and King’s Lynn sat believe it was a proudly on top forward-thinking following their appointment. promotion. Boston United came so No fewer than nine goals in close to setting up an FA Cup November helped his side to wins third round tie against Newcastle against Harriers, United - they pushed League One They sat just above that cluster of Bradford, Leamington, Southport Rochdale all the way but they just early-season stragglers but Phil and Gateshead after starting the missed out on a glamour tie. Parkinson went on record saying month with a draw against things would get better - and he Altrincham. He was “It was a big target of mine to was true to his word. unquestionably the Player of the create an FA Cup run,” reflected manager Craig Elliott. “The players People were starting to take notice Month - but wasn’t such a good deserve all the credit. Now we of . A flawless October moment for Kidderminster. have to wake up and concentrate saw the club record four wins from John Pemberton left his role as on what’s to come.” four. manager with the club 17th in the December is said to sort the men November witnessed the first division. He wasn’t the only one to out from the boys. It was one of change of leadership and one leave his position with Christmas the most experienced around, striker really started to grab the getting closer. Gloucester City Leamington boss Paul Holleran, headlines. announced James Rowe as the who took a lot of the plaudits -

08 VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH PROMOTION FINAL wins over Hereford, Gloucester an incredible crowd of 4,019 City and Darlington handed him watched the 1st v 2nd game at 2019’s final Manager of the The Walks. By the end of the Month award. Another great month they had a four-point month for Darlington saw Alun advantage as things really began Armstrong’s team winning four to hot up. times. The race for the play-offs was just King’s Lynn ended 2019 top of the as thrilling. Altrincham’s come- tree after a month which saw York from-nowhere recovery saw them City stutter - they recorded one into the top seven, Josh Hancock win from five, while Brackley were powered them forward as he upwardly mobile. picked up the Player of the Month The Linnets had a four-point award. cushion as 2020 was welcomed in, Boston United were now looking despite only managing a draw at like challengers all of a sudden. Alfreton Town in the last game of Gateshead and Spennymoor a great year for the club. York fell continued to snap away at the to a gutsy Guiseley side as former promotion places but at the City player gave bottom Bradford (PA) - still with the Lions the lead before Kaine only 13 points on the board - were Felix hit a winner three minutes from time. looking marooned. Leamington striker Josh March Hereford weren’t playing any part became the first National League in the play-off chase and manager player to earn an EFL move in Russell Slade left Edgar Street. January as he linked up with , the Blyth Spartans Forest Green Rovers. manager, was another big name boss out of work a few weeks In the middle of the month came later. the season’s biggest game - it would have such a huge impact on It took until February 23 for what happened come the end of King’s Lynn to be removed from the campaign. Leaders King’s Lynn top spot. York reclaimed the won the huge contest at the top as leadership for the first time since Twists and turns were expected York City slipped up. Prolific Adam November when they won against but events across the world soon Marriott got the winning goal as Kidderminster. put football firmly in its place. The Covid-19 outbreak paused the game as sport was put on the backburner, the global pandemic ultimately cutting the National League North season short. Eventually, after a vote by member clubs, it was to be decided the season 2019-20 will be concluded with final league tables compiled on an “Unweighted Points Per Game” basis. That means King’s Lynn were the winners - with York, Chester, Brackley, Gateshead, Altrincham and Boston fighting it out in July’s play-offs.

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 09 THE STORY SO FAR THE ELIMINATORS Sunday 19th July 2020 side who began the brighter of the two ALTRINCHAM 3 CHESTER 2 teams.

Altrincham advanced into the semi- In the fourteenth minute James finals after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Armson`s twenty yard shot was saved Chester. The Robins were 3-0 up at one by Brad James in the visitors goal and stage but the visitors grabbed two then the home side`s top goalscorer goals back to set up a thrilling finale. Lee Ndlovu sent a header of the bar before Armson threatened again only Both sides created chances in the first to see his effort blocked. half but it was the Robins who went in Tom Peers, Altrincham, celebrates his goal at front in the thirty fourth minute when Shortly before half time Gateshead had York City Josh Hancock found space and beat a golden opportunity to take the lead drew level but Newton saw his Taylor from twenty five yards with a when they were awarded a penalty whipped cross strike the crossbar and fine effort. when Alex Nicholson was brought then Alty keeper Tony Thomson down in the box by but reacted quickly to deny a David The Robins doubled their lead eight home `keeper` Danny Lewis saved Ferguson`s deflected effort. minutes into the second half when Jordan Preston`s spot-kick. Jordan Hulme cleverly released Dan Former York player then Mooney, who was clean through and On the stroke of half time though saw a long range shot flash wide of the was brought down by former everything changed when Jake Cooper post and as the home side went in Altrincham player John Johnston who prodded in right on time from only a search of an equaliser they were finding saw red. Elliott Durrell calmly few yards out to hand the visitors the the visiting goalkeeper Thomson in fine converted the spot kick sending Gray lead. That lead was to last only seconds form and the custodian made another the wrong way. as fired home the fine save in the thirty eighth minute equaliser. keeping out an effort from Kallum Durrell made it six goals in five games, Griffiths. since joining from York City with a cool Chances were at premium for the finish that crept inside the far post and remainder of the game but the home Straight after the restart the home side at 3-0 up the Robins looked home and side almost scored with ten minutes to were almost level but dry. go when a corner caused a scramble on saw his effort go wide but in the fifty the goal-line before was sixth minute the visitors should have The game though changed in the sixty able to clear the danger and keep the doubled their lead when Josh third minute when a wayward back scores level. Lundstram was played through on goal pass from Jake Moult was picked up by only to send his effort agonizingly wide Anthony Dudley whose cross was Both sides were evenly matched of the bottom corner. easily converted by . throughout extra time and Gateshead goalkeeper James proved to be the Twelve minutes later the home side had Both sides made a number of hero when he beat away Ellis Myles` another glorious opportunity to level substitutions and Chester substitute penalty to send the Heed through to proceedings after substitute Adriano Matty Hughes scored with a smart the semi-finals. Moke`s weaving run allowed Burrow header to reduce the deficit to a single plenty of space to shoot from close goal but in a tense finale it was the THE SEMI-FINALS ranger only for the ball to drift inches Robins that saw it through despite a Saturday July 25th 2020 wide of the upright. valiant effort from their opponents. YORK CITY 0 ALTRINCHAM 2 The visitors though did double their Sunday 19th July 2020 A goal in each half saw Altrincham advantage thirteen minutes from time BRACKLEY TOWN 1 GATESHEAD 1 progress to the Vanarama National when substitute Tom Peers reacted (Gateshead win 6-5 on penalties) League North Promotion Final after a quickest to slide the ball under fine 2-0 victory at York City. Jameson from close range after the ball Gateshead defeated Brackley Town 6-5 rebounded from the crossbar. on penalties to set up an away tie at The visitors began the game on the Boston United in the Vanarama front foot and went ahead in the eighth York were throwing everything at the National League North play-off semi- minute when Josh Hancock scored to Altrincham goal, with Dan Maguire’s final. In a game with a great deal of give the Robins a perfect start. Six curled cross headed straight into the pressure on both sides it was the home minutes later the home side almost hands of Thompson with minutes

10 VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH PROMOTION FINAL remaining. But despite applying plenty of late pressure, they were unable to crack the visiting defence, and it was the visitors who held out for victory.

Saturday 25th July 2020 BOSTON UNITED 5 GATESHEAD 3

Jordan Thewlis and were both on target twice as Boston United defeated Gateshead 5-3 in a play-off semi-final classic. United trailed to JJ O'Donnell's header but led at half-time courtesy of two Thewlis penalties.

Alex Nicholson levelled from the spot after the break but Jay Rollins restored United's lead before Wright's quickfire double rendered Elliot Forbes' late header as nothing more than a consolation.

Playing their first home match in exactly five months Alty celebrate again this time in their 3-2 win over Chester – since suffering a 3-0 defeat to Gateshead – the Pilgrims initially struggled to get going against their full-time opponents and fell behind in the nineteenth minute.

Gateshead, who had prevailed on penalties in the eliminator tie at Brackley Town on Sunday, edged ahead when JJ O’Donnell got up at the front post to glance home Greg Olley’s free-kick delivery.

United improved after the first half drinks break and levelled in the thirty fourth minute when Wright was clipped by Mike Williamson and Thewlis crashed home the resultant penalty.

Things got even better for the Pilgrims two minutes before the break when United were awarded their second spot-kick, for another Williamson-on-Wright tussle and Thewlis confidently stuck home his second twelve yard effort of the afternoon. Jake Wright is mobbed after scoring one of his two goals against Gateshead Gateshead were awarded their own penalty six minutes after the break when brought down Nicholson, who picked himself up to fire home the spot-kick.

The Pilgrims subsequently retook the lead and then killed off the tie with further goals either side of the second half drinks break.

Rollins linked up smartly with Brad Abbott to sweep home United’s third from twenty yards in the 62nd minute and Wright sailed home a speculative cross- shot from out of the right flank eight minutes later.

United added a fifth when Abbott set Wright racing clear and he shrugged off the attentions of Nicholson to beat Brad James with aplomb. There was still time for Forbes to glance home Olley’s free-kick with six minutes to play, but United held on without too many further scares to claim a momentus victory.

Jake Cooper celebrates his goal for Gateshead at Brackley Town 01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 11 THE BLINDING SPOTLIGHT HAS NEVER BEEN TOO FAR FROM BOSTON UNITED. YOU WON’T FIND MANY PEOPLE CONNECTED WITH THE SIDE WHO HAVEN’T GOT A STORY TO TELL. COURT CASES, FINANCIAL MELTDOWN, WINDING-UP ORDERS – THEY’VE BEEN THERE, DONE IT AND GOT THE T-SHIRT.

It’s been a few years but the Pilgrims are centre stage once more. Having finished third in the Vanarama National League North, they stand one game away from the fifth tier and have a shiny new ground waiting in the wings.

This season itself was a story even the best writers in the business couldn’t have come up with.

One last hurrah at York Street. What better way to see their home off but a Promotion Final in a packed stadium? But then came the plot twist. A global pandemic ruins the perfect send off.

“We put a lot of pressure on ourselves in pre- season with it being our last season at York Street,” Craig Elliott explains.

“We spoke a lot about creating memories and moments that people won’t ever forget. We did that in the FA Cup against Rochdale, but fate has had it that our last game, with a chance to win promotion to the National League is at York Street.

“We couldn’t have written he script any better to be honest, it’s incredible. It’s one of the biggest games we’ve had in over a decade and it’s at York Street so it’s amazing.

“I’ve said it all along, we feel very lucky to be playing in these games. Non-League has done itself proud in getting these games on. Financially, it has put a burden on clubs but simply the amount of work that has gone into the preparation to get these games on, everyone in the National League deserves credit for what they’ve done.

“It's an exciting period. We’re moving into the new stadium next season, it’s a great time to be at this club.

“I’ve been learning about the history of the club and what’s happened in the past – good and bad. People forget how big this club is.

12 BOSTON UNITED MANAGER CRAIG ELLIOTT BY TOM SCOTT “Until you’re here and see the fans, not “It's just exciting more than anything. I’ve just the numbers but the passion they told the players to embrace it and look have, you realise. forward to it. Two or three months ago we were all sat at home thinking the “After the Gateshead game, I couldn’t season was over and that we had nothing believe some of the pictures and videos I to play for. saw on my phone of people having parties in their gardens. It’s what we do it for. “We were a bit down in the dumps so having a chance to be part of this big “The fans are incredible at this club, the game on Saturday, we should all be sooner we get them back in the stadium excited and looking forward to it and the better. There’s the potential here to looking to take the opportunity – we’ve take the club a lot further. The new got nothing to lose.” stadium is good enough for the Football League and with the fanbase here, we’ve A self-confessed ‘Non-League geek’, got the ability to push up another couple Elliott had just taken his first role in of leagues at least, and that is the aim.” management at Pontefract Collieries’ new reserve team when That journey starts now. Boston’s future began Only two teams have “AFTER THE unravelling in the seen off Boston since Football League. November. Their incredible run of form GATESHEAD In some ways, Elliott struggles to be GAME, I COULDN’T and his current matched. employers have both BELIEVE SOME OF done things the same So why did few have way in the last decade them down as a THE PICTURES and a bit. Hard graft and promotion tip? AND VIDEOS I SAW plenty of bumps in the “I’m a little bit surprised road, both out the other by it to be honest. ON MY PHONE OF side with a brighter Nobody seemed to PEOPLE HAVING future within touching mention us in the play- distance. off picture,” Elliott said. PARTIES IN THEIR “I’ve started at the “We finished third in the bottom and worked my league, which is a great GARDENS. IT’S way up. I’ve been lucky achievement in itself. WHAT WE DO enough to have had five “We tried to get a team promotions and play-off together that’s capable IT FOR.” appearances,” Elliott of competing and we went under the remembers. radar. The likes of Chester, York and “I’ve always had to adapt and had to work King’s Lynn kept getting mentioned, but out how to be successful in different we didn’t get the credit we deserve. leagues and up to now I think I’ve done “I know these players are a good bunch that pretty well. I am a Non-League geek; and they’ve done really well, done their I watch a lot of games because I like to talking on the pitch and given themselves know everything about everything to do a chance at promotion. with the league I’m in. I want to learn.

“It’s been difficult during lockdown. When “I always say it’s a privilege to be the you see teams signing players and some manager of Boston United and I always even starting pre-season already despite try and give everything I’ve got. It’s such a the fact, we’ve not even finished our good club to work for, the chairman and season seems strange. But saying that, it everyone involved are such good people, I is nice to have the butterflies again ahead want to reward them for what they do for of Saturday. the club – that’s where I get my buzz from, putting smiles on their faces.”

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 13 THREE YEARS AGO, ALTRINCHAM HAD SUFFERED THEIR SECOND SUCCESSIVE RELEGATION AND FOUND THEMSELVES MIRED IN A RUT OF MONUMENTAL PROPORTIONS.

Turning the Greater Titanic was a tall order for anyone. In came . Only three days after suffering a setback of his own with former club Nantwich Town in the play-offs

Since then he’s never looked back. A league title in his first season, Alty found themselves a penalty shootout away from possible back- to-back promotions the following year.

Now on the brink once more, what is in Parkinson’s blueprint for success?

“You’ve got to make sure you’ve got a good group around you,” he said. “We brought a lot of people from Nantwich Town including my assistant Neil Sorvel.

“Then it’s about making sure everyone at the club is happy, and I mean everyone. I made sure I knew what everyone wanted, from the owners, to the tea ladies and the people behind the bar. You have to get that buy in from every single person at the club.

“I needed to identify if we had any weak links. We did that and creating that environment is something we continue to do. We’re not completely there yet but we’re a long way on from where we were when I came in because it was very dark when I arrived. It feels completely different.

“We’ve had this experience last year and it’s made us all the more hungry. But we’ve got a mountain to climb again, Boston is always a difficult place to go with or without fans. They’re an ex-League club so they’ve got big ambitions.

“We know we’ll have to be at our very best, but this is why we’ve taken it to the last day of the season. We deserve to be here so hopefully we can go on and get over that final hurdle.

“It would be fulfilling the long-term goal when we first arrived. We said when we first came in and we were in the Northern that we would win it, and we did. Then we said we’d establish in the

14 ALTRINCHAM MANAGER PHIL PARKINSON BY TOM SCOTT National League North and we surpassed wait. The biggest thing for me was the that. The third season we said we really lads’ application during that 17-week needed to be going up. period. We can’t ask them to do things because they were furloughed but they “When you achieve your goals and your got on with their own individual fitness aims, there’s no better feeling in the work and maintained themselves. world. It’s not a fluke nor luck. We’ve worked really hard to get to this point so it “They’ve come back in unbelievable shape would be really nice to see it through and that reassures you that you’re doing now.” the right thing because it costs a lot of money going into this so if I didn’t think It was 134 days between their last the lads were up for it or committed to it National League North game and the first then I would have said something whistle of their eliminator clash with different to the club when they asked me Chester. to go forward with it.”

Not many fancied them, ditto for the game Only two sides have scored more league against York. They might not be given a goals this season. Josh hope against Boston Hancock and Jordan either – even more so “WE KNOW WE’LL Hulme surpassed double when you consider the figures again. last meeting of the pair finished in a 5-0 romp HAVE TO BE AT The addition of Elliott for the Pilgrims. OUR VERY BEST, Durrell from league rivals York City raised a few But Phil Parkinson isn’t BUT THIS IS WHY eyebrows – especially as a man who gets rattled the striker hadn’t hit the to easily. WE’VE TAKEN IT heights expected of him “Going into these TO THE LAST DAY at . unprecedented times, OF THE SEASON. Now flourishing, you’re hoping you can Parkinson’s philosophy is recapture your form but WE DESERVE TO baring fruits again. I think when you’ve got a group of players like BE HERE SO “We’re a very attacking we have. We’ve had a minded team,” he said. couple of good seasons HOPEFULLY WE “We’ve always had teams but the players know an that score plenty of goals opportunity like this CAN GO ON.” and that’s something we doesn’t come around take great pride in. We every season. get a lot of compliments about our style of play and that makes lads want to come “The 5-0 loss came at a point when we and play for us. were at our weakest and they exploited that, they were very good. Boston are the “You look at Elliott Durrell, we took him most improved team in the league this from York – I think he scored once while year, Craig [Elliott] has done a great job he was there – he’s scored six in eight again. since joining us now. It shows that in the right team, certain players can shine. We “We just needed to continue doing what know we can score goals; we just need to we did. I truly believe if we had a better keep the door shut at the other end and start to the season, we would’ve won the we’ve gone somewhere like York and league this season. People will think I’m shown we can do that. crazy saying that and now we’ve got to go away to Boston and win. If we do that, it “It’s going to be a long old 90 minutes. validates what I said, if not, we know we’ve Both teams are worthy of their spot in the still got a bit of work to do. final and whoever comes out on top will be worth their place in the National “Coming back was certainly worth the League next season.”

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 15 NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH LEFT BACK TEAM OF THE S

CENTRE BACK CHESTER

GOALKEEPER

SEAN NEWTON YORK CITY

CENTRE BACK

PETER JAMESON YORK CITY

RIGHT BACK GARETH DEAN BRACKLEY TOWN

SHAUN DENSMORE ALTRINCHAM

16 VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH PROMOTION FINAL SEASON

CENTRE MIDFIELD STRIKER

CHRIS HENDERSON LEE NDLOVU KING’S LYNN TOWN BRACKLEY TOWN

CENTRE MIDFIELD STRIKER

DAVID MORGAN GLEN TAYLOR SOUTHPORT SPENNYMOOR TOWN

CENTRE MIDFIELD STRIKER

JOSH HANCOCK ALTRINCHAM KING’S LYNN TOWN

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 17

JAKE WRIGHT BY CRAIG SINGLETON It’s been a season of mixed emotions for Boston’s first Promotion Final at Step Boston United striker Jake Wright – but 2 level. the on-loan York City frontman is determined to deliver a happy ending this With Gateshead having played the week afternoon. before against Brackley Town, and the Pilgrims inactive in almost five months Wright has spent the whole campaign on due to Covid-19, Wright felt it was loan at The Jakemans Stadium but has inevitable that United would take a little suffered three separate injury blows while to get going. during his first full season in Lincolnshire. A crunching tackle from Wright in the He suffered a torn hamstring in training first half, which earned the United striker in mid-August which sidelined him for a yellow card from referee Robert three months, sustained damage to his Massey-Ellis, was seen as the catalyst for shoulder against Curzon Ashton on sparking a Boston revival following JJ January 7 which culminated in a near O’Donnell’s 19th minute opener. month on the sidelines before being knocked out during the Lincolnshire “It was end-to-end with a lot of goals for Senior Cup final against Cleethorpes the neutral,” continued Wright. “They another fruitful month-long spell on loan Town just days before football was forced went 1-0 up which was a bit with the Pilgrims where he scored twice into shutdown in March due to the disappointing on our behalf but we in four appearances, the 23-year-old Covid-19 pandemic. showed plenty of character to get back admitted it has been a strange into the game and to go and win it in the Wright has enjoyed high points too – experience being connected to two clubs style we did, the lads deserve a lot of helping the Pilgrims reach an Emirates FA so heavily involved in the promotion mix. credit. Cup second round replay against York’s elimination to Altrincham last Rochdale, playing his part in United “We had not played for almost five weekend has paved the way for Wright finishing third on points-per-game in months, so we were always going to be a to feature for the Pilgrims in today’s final, National League North and scoring twice bit rusty. as he would have been ineligible to face in last weekend’s thrilling 5-3 play-off his parent club under the terms of the “The tackle got everybody going whereas semi-final victory over Gateshead. loan agreement. you normally have the fans behind you. Having scored twice in a behind-closed- We performed well given the doors friendly at Notts County last week, “It was a weird situation to be in,” added circumstances.” Wright was United’s star performer as Wright, in relation to knowing that he Wright’s two goals were his seventh and they disposed of Gateshead in emphatic would have been unable to feature in the eighth strikes of a stop-start campaign style. final had York progressed. “It does not come around too often. I wish my parent and the former Sheffield United Speaking in the wake of Saturday’s club the best but for myself and my own youngster was pleased with his impact in stunning win over a Heed side who had development, I wanted to play in the front of goal – the first goal scored from inflicted two 3-0 defeats on the Pilgrims final. an acute angle and the second on the in league action earlier in the campaign, breakaway when many questioned Wright said: “I have got to thank the “I believed that we were going to get whether passing to team-mate Jay chairman and the Gaffer because I have there and I think it helped massively Rollins would have been a better option. had a topsy-turvy season. They have knowing the other result which “I back myself every day of the week,” stuck by me. benefitted me that meant I can play in the final. concluded Wright. “I have been out for five or six months with two or three injuries but I have “We have got an opportunity to get “It did go through my head (passing to come back and hopefully repaid that promotion into the National League. It’s Jay) but I backed myself and I knew that I support.” great for the club and we have had a was going to score. You need that great season, particularly with the FA confidence as a striker.” Wright has also found himself in the Cup run we had. I believe that we are strange position of being on loan from going to do it.” Wright has scored eight goals in 24 one promotion-chasing side to another, appearances for the Pilgrims this season, with the Minstermen and Pilgrims Wright was at the forefront of United’s with six of the strikes arriving in two-goal spending much of the campaign together comeback from a one-goal deficit against bursts – against Stamford AFC in the in the top three. Gateshead last weekend, winning two County Cup at the end of pre-season, first half penalties for tussles with Heed Kettering Town in the league over the While Wright has not featured for York player-boss Mike Williamson and then Christmas period and Saturday’s double since the tail end of last season, following scoring two goals of his own to seal against Gateshead.

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 19

TONY THOMPSON BY JOHN EDWARDS It’s a scenario enacted countless times happened, though I wouldn’t have in winning dressing rooms up and down wanted it to be through an injury to the country; shrill voices bouncing off Drenchy, who’s an unbelievable keeper the walls and bottles being emptied at a and someone I’m still learning from. rapid rate of knots. “Sometimes, you can’t predict how There was still something slightly you’re going to get an opportunity. You different about the away team just need to be ready to take it, and I celebrations at Bootham Crescent last was feeling sharp and match-ready at Saturday, though, as Altrincham’s the time. I backed myself to make the players toasted an eye-catching 2-0 most of it, and it has gone well since play-off semi-final win over York City. then.”

Like milk being the beverage of choice Safe handling and sharp reflexes are in one bottle. And the squeal of delight part of the Thompson make-up, as is a after draining it coming from a distinctly robust physical presence that was young-sounding source. evident late on at York. Two crunching collisions left him poleaxed, but he got The voice belonged to one-week old up after treatment each time and Henry Densmore, and the fact that he carried on regardless. It has earned him “That’s what I love about this club. It’s and dad Shaun were included in Alty’s the slightly unusual nickname more than just playing football, it’s on a jubilant dressing room scenes - albeit Silverback. Er, is that as in a gorilla, personal level as well. It’s about keeping courtesy of the wonders of modern Tony? technology - says everything about the everyone involved. It’s more like a unity woven into Phil Parkinson’s squad, family, really.” “It is,” he grinned. “I think it’s down to as keeper Tony Thompson explained. my stature. I probably look a bit of a big Thompson, a scaffolder away from lad with a shirt on, but there are some “Credit to the gaffer and his staff, football, goes into the final at the very abs under there somewhere. I’m quite because they have built this core of top of his game, but he admits he had to boisterous and loud as well, and I don’t players and pretty much kept it intact fight for his place after Steven Drench mind putting my head in where it hurts. for the past three years,” he said. “We all arrived from Bradford (Park Avenue) know each other inside out, and we are and quickly became first choice 18 “I don’t remember too much about the all really good mates. months ago. first collision on Saturday. I just had my eyes on the ball as I came for a cross, “It’s perfect, really, the way we have “We had just lost 3-0 at Leamington, and the next thing I knew I was on the gelled. We spend time together off the but I didn’t feel I had done that much floor, like a boxer. The lad absolutely pitch, as well as on it, and we go the wrong for another keeper to be brought clattered me, but that’s ok - I’ll run extra mile for each other without a in,” he recalled. “But it seemed the through a brick wall for Alty. second thought. gaffer wanted that experience Steven had, and it’s like anything. If a top striker “The whole feel and vibe around the “We’ve got group chats going, and we becomes available, you go for him. place is what makes it so special. talk to each other every day, and what Everyone is the same. We’re all in it we did with Dens at York was a classic “I was a bit disheartened at the time, together. It’s not just the players, the example of that togetherness. but I just had to knuckle down. I staff or the boardroom, it’s everyone remember saying to the gaffer that if I playing a part and feeling involved. “He’s just become a dad, which is just walked away and accepted it, I may amazing for him, but it has meant he as well hang my boots up. “My job away from Alty is to erect and hasn’t been able to train and hasn’t been dismantle scaffolding, and it’s long involved in the two games so far. “Everyone should be competing for hours. I’m working in Blackburn at the their place. I don’t take anything for moment, and I’m on the road at six in “We don’t want him to miss out, though. granted even now, 18 months on. It was the morning to get there on time. If We want him to feel the lads are still a massive kick up the backside for me, there’s a night match or training, it will there for him, so when we got back in and I had to accept it for what it was be 10.30pm before I’m home. the dressing room, we FaceTimed him. and resolve to earn my place in the team all over again. I had to grit my “But it’s football that keeps me going on “He was giving Henry a bottle and teeth, fasten my laces a bit tighter and those long days. You chase those changing him, ready for bed. Most of work all the harder. dreams, don’t you? Mine is to play the chat was about him being a dad, but football full-time, and, at 25, there’s still he was ecstatic for us at getting through “I actually said to the gaffer I’d be back time for it to happen. If it doesn’t, it to the final. within weeks, and that’s what won’t be for the want of trying.”

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 21 CHAMPIONS CORNER KING’S LYNN TOWN

King`s Lynn Town, We are the Champions

By Sam Elliott & Oliver Osborn football can twist and how football - remarkable for a club officially only can turn. It’s the perverse reason in existence for a decade, formed why we’re all actually pretty fond when the original Linnets went to of it. the wall in 2010. Just a season-and-a-half later, we For Culverhouse, who returned were handed conclusive proof of the after six months away having left game’s fluctuation levels and erratic under a cloud when his relationship abilities. with the board broke down, it was good to be back. Yes, they say never go back, but they also say you mustn’t go to sleep on “Steve and I had a disagreement, an argument. Ian Culverhouse’s that’s why I left originally,” the open decision to suck it up, sit down and former Norwich City defender said. It’s November 2018, and King’s sort out his differences with Lynn Town fans are taking an chairman Stephen Cleeve was the “We were both probably a little pig- anxious look over their shoulders. best decision either of them have headed and stubborn that we didn’t The few teams below them in the ever made. build those bridges again sooner. Southern League Central are starting to pick up points. It took a team going nowhere to a “We had just lost in the play-off final double promotion. It’s handed them to Slough. I went to Grantham and Months after reaching the play-off dates with clubs who probably three months into the season final, their team are certainly not. didn’t know they even existed just a Robbie Back (Director of Football) got in touch and asked if I would They have the players too good few Christmases ago. consider returning. surely to be playing Step 4 football King’s Lynn, by hook or by crook, are next season, but we all know how the National League North winners “I said I would meet with Steve, so

22 VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH PROMOTION FINAL we sat down and talked for a few hours. In the end, it was a no Manager, Ian Culverhouse brainer.” pictured with his Manager of the Season award. He’s made worse decisions. Less than two seasons later, the club incredibly find themselves one promotion away from the Football League. “I looked at the squad and knew that if we had a plan this could really take off,” he added. “Luckily enough it did, they have been a pleasure to work with. It was a hell of an achievement to go up from where we were - 16th to promotion is fantastic and to follow it up the next season by winning the league, well it’s wonderful.” Lynn had location on their side, too. Culverhouse’s team didn’t lose at home from September 2018 through to February 2020, an astonishing record which fuelled their back-to-back promotion success. “We’re two hours from anywhere, we’re an hour from the nearest road!” joked the 55-year-old. “Our “We can’t wait for the fixture list to QUICK-FIRE Q&A record before we finally lost to come out, that is the moment when Kidderminster was fantastic - it will all become real.” Your favourite game of last pivotal to what we are about. season? So what of the imminent step up? “To go 17 months without losing at York at home was a massive one “I always believed that if you keep The Walks was a credit to the town. for us, especially with the huge your core group together then you Yes, the players win the points, but crowd. We wanted to get in their always have a chance,” he adds. the people of King’s Lynn are face and give them a game. It was a central to what we do. The fans “They know the demands and they special day and a big, big win. come out and support us, which know what’s required. Your goal of the season? really drives us on - they help make “We’ll do that again. We have a it a tough place to come to. Southport away. Hell of a finish couple of other targets, and from Adam Marriott. The build-up, “It’s going to be a culture shock for hopefully we can get them over the 20 or 30 passes, typified the way some of these big clubs to come to line. We have seven or eight players we played. They believed in how our ground! who have been with us for a while we were playing. now. Pick one word to describe your “But it’s going to be very, very hard. team other than ‘champions’? We are going to be a part-time club in pretty much a professional Together. league - we’ve earned the right to have a crack at it. Which is the stand out achievement of your career? “It’s a big league with big teams and hopefully we won’t be lambs to the I liked 2018-19. We had to do it slaughter. I know this group will totally on the pitch, but this season give it everything. What an is one of the biggest - obviously we adventure we’re going to have!” wanted to finish it, but nobody saw these circumstances arriving.

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 23

OLLIE BAYLISS BBC RADIO NO ONE COULD HAVE FORESEEN THE WAY THIS CAMPAIGN UNFOLDED. THE DISRUPTION COVID-19 CAUSED TO ENGLISH FOOTBALL WAS UNLIKE ANYTHING WE'D SEEN SINCE THE OUTBREAK OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR. YET, DESPITE THE CHALLENGES IT CONTINUES TO POSE, THE PLAY-OFFS HAVE MANAGED TO GO AHEAD; ALLOWING CLUBS TO COMPETE, ON THE PITCH, TO EARN A SECOND PROMOTION PLACE.

The reality of the situation, commentator and pitch-side however, is that at this time, reporter all in one. The connection commentators are even more between those in attendance and needed than ever. With fans at those on the pitch is what we all home, you are their eyes, watching love about Non-League of course. some of the biggest games in their club's history. Commentating from Being able to speak to players and the Family Stand at Harrogate's coaches before a game, and have a CNG Stadium, the atmosphere drink with them after, is one of the was unlike anything I've ever uniquely special qualities of the experienced. lower leagues. The absence of cheering It's heartbreaking that fans can't spectators somehow increases the yet return to their local Non- League ground, especially at a time Whoever wins the final, immense tension of these fixtures. You feel every moment that punctuates the when clubs are playing games of credit should go to all 18 National such significance. But, whether it’s League play-off clubs who've, eerie silence; every long kick downfield, every commanding through cardboard cut-outs, against the odds, found a way to messages of support on social participate. To bring themselves header, and every full-blooded challenge. media, or donations to out of hibernation and to conform crowdfunding pages, players will to the mountain of guidelines and One of the things I love about be aware of how much these protocols has been a monumental commentating on the National fixtures mean to those staying at task. The financial cost of playing League is how close you feel to the home. Thankfully, with radio these fixtures has been gigantic. action. Regularly you sit right commentary, online streaming, What's been heartening to see is behind the two dugouts; hearing and TV coverage, fans can still the extent to which fans have been every conversation and each follow what will no doubt be a willing to put their hands in their shouted instruction. You can be a fantastic final. pockets to help out their local clubs. Even though fans couldn't be in the grounds, they still showed remarkable support. As a commentator, describing the action behind closed doors, the play-offs have been a unique experience. Sitting amongst cardboard fans at Boreham Wood's Meadow Park it was impossible not to feel guilty for the privileged position I was in. Watching players take to the pitch, I thought of all the more deserving fans and volunteers that should be in my place, cheering their team out onto the pitch in such a hugely important game.

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 25 THE NATIONAL LEAGUE U19 ALLIANCE WELL WE ARE CERTAINLY LIVING THROUGH UNUSUAL TIMES AT THE MOMENT, AND AS A RESULT OF THIS, MOST PEOPLE HAD PROBABLY ACCEPTED THAT THE CHANCE TO PLAY AT WEMBLEY FOR A PLACE IN THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE WAS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN THIS YEAR. Division E Eastleigh Blues Division F Mansfield Town Brooksby Division G Racing Club Warwick Division H Wrexham Division I Pontefract Collieries

Our congratulations go to all of these teams. The League Cup had reached the final stage, with Chester and Eastleigh Blues, the finalists. We are still hoping to stage this fixture at the start of the 2020/21 season.

The National League Football Academy South and North Divisions was created by The National League to establish a plan for clubs to develop more and better home-grown However, thanks to a lot of hard work and planning, two teams players, with the quality of the development experience for the do now have that chance! I would like to congratulate all those young players of the highest importance. involved in the planning, and wish both clubs, the best of luck. The overall objective is to prepare players for possible careers The National League U19 Alliance also acknowledges the as professionals or semi-professionals. It is also to ensure that great work done by the NHS and other key workers during players continue to receive education, which will enhance their these unprecedented times, and we are also aware of the career, education and/or training options either to coincide issues around racism in sport, which has touched peoples’ lives with employment as a footballer or as a pathway to alternative around the world. employment.

On the field, the season sadly ended abruptly after a handful of Around 4500 players were registered to play in the National fixtures had been played on Friday 13th March. We then League U19 Alliance during the season. We are now equally received information from (FA) that awaiting further guidance from both the Government and the all football was to be suspended until further notice. FA as to when the 2020/21 season can start, but we must remember, the health of public is more important, and must Further communication was received from the FA on not be put at further risk. Thursday 26th March confirming that the 2019/20 season had been concluded. In that communication we were given Graham Hill two options to consider how the league would be concluded: Secretary, National League U19 Alliance. a: Results expunged b: League positions resolved on a points per game calculation.

After much deliberation, the Management Committee agreed, in line with our senior partners (The National League) to use a points per game calculation. The decision resulted in the following teams being declared the divisional champions:

National League Academy South Sutton U National League Academy North Chester Division A Heybridge Swifts Division B Tonbridge Angels Division C Luton Town Cedars Division D Eastleigh Whites

26 VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH PROMOTION FINAL HOW CLUBS SUPPORT THEIR COMMUNITIES NATIONAL LEAGUE TRUST THE NATIONAL LEAGUE TRUST IS A CHARITY THAT OFFERS GRANT AID AND ADVICE TO NATIONAL LEAGUE CLUBS, TO ENABLE THEM TO CREATE ACTIVITY PROGRAMMES FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES.

The National League Trust is a new opportunities to play football the appeal of the Premier League charity that offers grant aid and at selected clubs. and professional football clubs to advice to National League clubs, to inspire children to learn, be active enable them to create activity This season, 50 club projects and develop important life skills. programmes for their received funding and grants communities. totalled £870,700 was awarded to It is available to primary schools in projects costing just under England and Wales and helps to This has been a different year, and £1.8mm. The League now has 42 support the development of PE one that has proved how charities or CICs connected with skills in teachers. important National League clubs member clubs, ensuring that those are to their community. During the promoted to the EFL can take 22 National League clubs from pandemic fourteen charities were advantage of the support our across all divisions are involved, open throughout, helping to sister body, the EFL Trust, can including Altrincham, Barnet, deliver food, groceries and offer. Boston United, Dartford, medicine to those in need, in Harrogate Town, Notts County conjunction with their local Funded projects can cover a wide and York City. You can find out authority. Many more ran online range of activity, from football and more about the programme here: coaching and educational sports activity in schools, for https://plprimarystars.com/ challenges or telephone helplines women and girls, those with Chairman Brian Lee said, “This was for those alone or vulnerable. disabilities and for older people. on course to be another successful Community programmes have Some are working with those at year before COVID-19 but our learned how to adapt and to risk of anti-social behaviour, or clubs and their programmes have succeed at these new offer health support, such as responded tremendously. circumstances. advice on diet and exercise. There are activities for older people, and The challenging work they have The Trust has helped clubs grow educational initiatives. undertaken has kept the name of their programmes for ten years, by their clubs alive in their awarding funding and giving Each club is encouraged to community during the pandemic development support. Each year understand the needs to their and is to be applauded.” we receive £1.2m from our community and design their Want to know more about what funding partners, the Premier activities around these. This we do? Visit our website League and the Professional ensures success and the potential http://nationalleaguetrust.org.uk/ Footballers Association. Our of achieving funding from other or follow us on Twitter: recent partnership with Wembley sources. https://twitter.com/TheNLTrust National Stadium Trust funded a pilot women and girls programme, Premier League Primary Stars Susan O’Brien which was successful in creating This innovative programme uses Project Manager

01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 27

FACTS & FIGURES 2019/20 SEASON A LOOK AT HOW THINGS FINISHED ACROSS THE THREE DIVISIONS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE VANARAMA PWDLFAPTS PPG PWDLFAPTS PPG Barrow 37 21 7968 39 70 87.027 Wealdstone 33 22 4769 35 70 89.091 Harrogate Town 37 19 9961 44 66 82.054 Havant & W. 34 19 10 5 64 37 67 82,765 Notts County 38 17 12 9 61 38 63 76.263 Weymouth 35 17 12 6 60 35 63 75.600 Yeovil Town 37 17 9 11 61 44 60 74.595 Bath City 35 18 9850 37 63 75.600 Boreham Wood 37 16 12 9 55 40 60 74.595 Slough Town 35 17 9951 38 60 72.000 FC Halifax Town 37 17 7 13 50 49 58 72.108 Dartford 34 16 8 10 60 46 56 69.176 Barnet 35 14 12 9 52 42 54 70.971 Dorking Wanderers 35 14 8 13 58 56 50 60.000 Stockport County 39 16 10 13 51 54 58 68.410 Hampton & RB 33 14 5 14 51 50 47 59.818 Solihull Moors 38 15 10 13 48 37 55 66.579 Maidstone United 33 12 9 12 48 44 45 57.273 Woking 38 15 10 13 50 55 55 66.579 Chelmsford City 34 11 11 12 55 56 44 54.353 Dover Athletic 38 15 9 14 49 49 54 65.368 Hemel Hempstead 34 12 8 14 36 43 44 54.353 Hartlepool United 39 14 13 12 56 50 55 64.872 Welling United 34 12 6 16 38 46 42 51.882 Bromley 38 14 10 14 57 52 52 62.947 Oxford City 34 11 9 14 47 60 42 51.882 Torquay United 36 14 6 16 56 61 48 61.333 Chippenham Town 35 10 12 13 39 45 42 50.400 Sutton United 38 12 14 12 47 42 50 60.526 Tonbridge Angels 31 9913 46 54 36 48.774 Eastleigh 37 11 13 13 43 55 46 57.189 Concord Rangers 32 10 7 15 44 48 37 48.563 Dagenham & Red. 37 11 11 15 40 44 44 54.703 Billericay Town 32 8 13 11 46 55 37 48.563 Aldershot Town 39 12 10 17 43 55 46 54.256 Eastbourne B 33 8 14 11 38 54 38 48.364 Wrexham 37 11 10 16 46 49 43 53.459 Dulwich Hamlet 35 9 10 16 51 50 37 44.400 Chesterfield 38 11 11 16 55 65 44 53.263 St Albans City 35 9 10 16 41 54 37 44.400 Maidenhead United 38 12 5 21 44 58 41 49.632 Braintree Town 35 10 5 20 44 67 35 42.000 Ebbsfleet United 39 10 12 17 47 68 42 49.538 Hungerford Town 33 8421 38 64 28 35.636 AFC Fylde 37 9 12 16 44 60 39 48.486 38 4 14 20 31 65 26 31.474 TOP SCORERS VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE (Barrow) 20 James Reid (Torquay United) 18 VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH (Barrow) 18 PWDLFAPTS PPG (Boreham Wood) 18 King`s Lynn Town 32 19 7663 39 64 84.000 Rhys Murphy (Yeovil Town) 17 York City 34 19 9652 28 66 81.529 Inih Effiong (Dover Athletic) 16 Boston United 32 17 7846 32 58 76.125 Simeon Akinola (Barnet) 15 Brackley Town 34 16 12 6 61 25 60 74.118 Harry Beautyman (Sutton United) 15 Altrincham 33 16 9862 40 57 72.545 Chester 32 15 9858 38 54 70.875 VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH Gateshead 31 14 10 7 47 31 52 70.452 Adam Marriott (King`s Lynn Town) 27 Spennymoor Town 34 15 10 9 63 45 55 67.941 Lindokuhle Ndlovu (Brackley Town) 20 Guiseley 33 14 8 11 52 41 50 63.636 (Chester) 18 Darlington 33 14 6 13 43 50 48 61.091 Josh March (Leamington) 17 Farsley Celtic 34 14 6 14 50 45 48 59.294 Aaron Martin (Harrogate Town) 17 Southport 32 12 7 13 40 41 43 56.438 Jordan Burrow (York City) 15 Alfreton Town 32 12 4 16 48 55 40 52.500 Adam Campbell (Darlington) 15 AFC United 34 11 9 14 51 56 42 51.882 Glen Taylor (Spennymoor Town) 15 Kidderminster H 33 10 8 15 39 43 38 48.364 Hereford 35 9 12 14 39 56 39 46.800 VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Gloucester City 30 9615 39 57 33 46.200 Jonah Ayunga (Havant & Waterlooville) 17 Leamington 32 9815 39 51 35 45.938 Giuseppe Iaciofano (St Albans City) 17 Kettering Town 31 7 11 13 36 46 32 43.355 Darren McQueen (Dartford) 17 Curzon Ashton 33 8 10 15 34 42 34 43.273 Elliott Romain (Dartford) 16 Blyth Spartans 33 6522 32 78 23 29.273 Jason Prior (Dorking Wanderers) 14 Bradford (PA) 33 5523 25 80 20 25,455 Jake Robinson (Billericay Town) 14 (Chelmsford City) 13 Dan Mills (Dulwich Hamlet) 13 01.08.20 BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM 29

RICHARD WASSALL THE TEAMS

Manager: Craig Elliott Manager: Phil Parkinson Colours: Amber & Black Colours: Red & White

Pld Sub Pld Sub PETER CROOK (GK) TONY THOMPSON (GK) GEORGE WILLIS (GK) STEVEN DRENCH (GK) BRAD ABBOTT ELLIOT WYNNE (GK) SHAUN DENSMORE MATT CHALLONER ANDY WHITE CONNOR HAMPSON TOM HANNIGAN ASHLEY JACKSON TOBY MULLARKEY DAN MOONEY FRANK MULHERN SIMON RICHMAN SEAN WILLIAMS JOSH LUNDSTRAM JAY ROLLINS JAKE MOULT LUKE SHIELS MAX HARROP ANDI THANOJ JORDAN THEWLIS JOSH HANCOCK NICKY WALKER ELLIOTT DURRELL TYRELL WARREN JORDAN HULME ALEX WHITTLE TOM PEERS JAKE WRIGHT JAMES HOOPER LEWIS WALTERS

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Adam Herczeg Assistants: & Reece Davies Fourth Official: Scott Tallis Reserve Assistant Referee: Dane Mccarrick