A close title race looks likely with University 1 setting a hot pace ahead of Mansfield, winners in the last 3 seasons. Mansfield won the League last year with 17 points, three clear of Gambit 1. A much higher winning points total will be needed this year with University already on 13 points. The title race could go down to the wire. Nomads 1 have a very tall order to escape relegation. Ashfield 1 in 2023-4 were relegated from Division 1 on six points, Beeston 1 the previous year on four points. So far, Nomads’ season is following the course of West Bridgford 1 in 2017-18, who ended with 14 losses. Gambit 2, third in the League last season, and West Bridgford 1 are currently most at risk of occupying the second relegation berth.
Nomads 1 and Grantham 1 were promoted from Division 2 last season on 21 and 19 points. Radcliffe and Bingham 1 on 10 points are on course for a similar score. West Bridgford 1’s talented youngsters could press them if they can win their 2 games in hand. Ashfield 2 and Grantham 2 , as last year, face a fight to retain their places in Division 2.
Division 3 looks very open. Gambit 3, Radcliffe and Bingham 2 and University 2 appear the main promotion contenders. West Nottinghamm 2, Gambit 4 and Central 1 appear most at risk of relegation.
Division 4 provides our, sporting ‘Group of Death’. Grantham 3 are two points clear, and West Nottingham 3 are two points adrift. The other 5 teams all sit on 6 points. Every game is a promotion and relegation battle. It should make for an exciting second half to the season.
In Division 5 the Radcliffe and Bingham, Newark and Grantham teams are doing well and the 3 teams from the City are struggling.
The League has run smoothly. There have been 6 fixture rearrangements. Captains and clubs have been co-operative and creative in resolving these. There have been no disputes. We hope the New Year brings some cheer to teams and players who have been struggling to win points so far. Phil