Recent Articles

Archives

 
   

League Table

     
Pld
GD
Pts

 
1   Kettering Town
33
50
75

 
2   AFC Telford Utd
35
33
71

 
3   Stalybridge Celtic
35
28
67

 
4   Harrogate Town
34
13
63

 
5   Nuneaton Borough
35
18
62

 
6   Southport
33
21
60

 
7   Hyde Utd
36
16
57

 
     
   
 

Hucknall, Hucknall, Hucknall

Arguably, the end of season in the Conference North has become a somewhat farcical affair and the culprits, if that's the right word, are Hucknall Town.

Their success in reaching this season's FA Trophy final has meant the postponement of a significant percentage of their league fixtures, which left them with the ridiculous task of playing 10 matches in 28 days. If the outcome of these catch-up matches only affected Hucknall themselves it might not be such a big deal, however, the reality is they are affecting not only the title and the play-offs, but also relegation.

Playing twice or (as in this week's case) sometimes three matches a week, leaves them with the problem of fielding their strongest side each time. How fair is it that one team faces a stronger Hucknall eleven, yet their rivals face a much weaker eleven in terms of first choice players.

Hucknall went down 1-0 at Southport on Saturday, they face relegation threatened Stalybridge Celtic on Monday, title contenders Droylsden on Wednesday and then play-off hopefuls Altrincham on Saturday. Who knows which side will turn out each time and even if Hucknall tried their hardest to field a strong team each time, wouldn't they be on their last legs by their 4th league game in eight days!!

April 24, 2005