By Slevin Morgan
December 1 2009

With the season nearing the halfway point, it's a good time to look at the clubs who are aiming for promotion to the Football League. Oxford and Stevenage are way out in front, but it's an intriguing battle behind them with a lot of clubs enjoying their first promotion push for some time.

Well where better to start than with the leaders, Oxford United. Taking 28 points from their 10 home games, it is little surprised to see them at the top of the pile. They were miles clear at one stage but have now virtually been caught up by perennial promotion push failures, Stevenage. Oxford's record at home also extends to have conceded only 3 goals, playing a key part in their goal difference of +25 from 21 games played.

Stevenage will be desperate to finally make the Football League. After leading 3-1 going into their second leg against Cambridge in last season's Playoffs, they lost 3-0 and were consigned to yet another year in the Blue Square Premier. Having chased promoted in every season since 2003/4, they will be desperate to claw back Oxford's lead and much like Oxford, have an excellent home record, winning 7 and drawing 4 of their 11 matches at Broadhall Way.

After struggling against relegation last term, York City are impressing many under Martin Foyle. Another team with an unbeaten home record, York have progressed well in both the League and Cup, travelling to Stoke in the 3^rd Round of the FA Cup. They look a good bet for the Playoffs at least.

Our old friends Kettering are starting to fall apart, but have won more games on the road than anyone else. 7 wins from 10 games on the road is the main reason they are in the Playoff positions, but an average home record is stopping them challenging at the very top and their results have faltered since they lost their manager and best player.

Mansfield were early pace-setters but slightly fell away, however, they have improved in recent weeks and have pushed their way back into the top five. They currently occupy the final Playoff place and have an excellent home record. Their push for the Playoffs will need to see their away form transform.

Rushden and pre-season favourites Luton sit just outside the Playoffs, although Luton have at least one game in hand on everyone above them. They haven't dominated like most thought they would and are now under the management of Richard Money. They are followed closely by Kidderminster Harriers.

The division's two surprise packages then follow. Both AFC Wimbledon and Altrincham have the unusual accolade of being the top ten despite losing more games at home than they've won. Both are benefitting from excellent away records, both winning six. Infact, Altrincham have just applied to the Football League in the even that they made the Playoffs, a strange turn around for a side that finished in the relegation zone three years running, yet were saved every time by various circumstances.

After two Playoff campaigns, Cambridge United are flattering to deceive and although their home record is reasonable, they've only won twice on the road. Martin Ling always seemed a manager who needed time to acclimatise to a new division, but whether Cambridge are that patient remains to be seen.

A look at those aiming high

Discussion started by theimps.tk (IP Logged), 01/12/2009 11:51

theimps.tk
01/12/2009 11:51

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