- Jun 24, 2013
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I agree, but …. they aren’t alone in wanting to achieve the same aim. So many candidates for those top five positions and as for who will win the league
Midland Watch 26/27
- Thread starter Edge
- Start date
- Jun 24, 2013
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For those who don’t use Twitter/X.
Midland League preview and predictions below. Given the lack of information out there it’s probably a reasoned piece.
Capelli Sport Midland Football League
We’re now less than a week away from the start of the Midland Football League season, and thus begins nine months of non-stop action that starts with a jampacked Saturday on the 1st of August, and will end with the Division One play-off final on the 1st of May.
We’re starting our season preview off with a visit to the top level of MFL football, as we look at a Premier Division which welcomes a whole host of new teams - as the league shifts geographically to the North.
This brings a sense of unknown to the division, with last season’s defeated play-off finalists Northwich Victoria tipped by many to go one step further this campaign, and are boosted by several huge signings, including George Nugent, formerly of Tranmere Rovers.
They’ll face competition for top-spot however, with West Didsbury and Chorlton, non-league heavyweights and FA Vase Quarter-Finalists moving into the league. There is an attitude at Brookburn Road that promotion to Step 4, which they almost achieved two years ago, is the key goal this season, with star man and cult hero Victor Abadaki key to any success they may have.
Runcorn Town ran away with the NWCFL South title last season, racking up 89 points from 34 games, and only losing once in the process, so naturally they are tipped for success this season - and then there’s Sporting Khalsa. After half a decade out of the league, Ian Rowe’s men return to the Midland Football League with a vengeance, after dropping down from Step 4 by a point after a final day defeat at Witton Albion. Again, anything short of promotion will be seen as a disappointment, but it’ll be down to men like Supporters’ Player of the Season Kieron Whittaker to fire them back to the eighth tier.
Another team that will be looking to bounce back at the first attempt are Wythenshawe Town - under new management in Astley Mulholland and Domaine Rouse, two members of the relegated playing squad - those at Ericstan Park would love to be playing their football in the NPL come August 2027.
Then there are the runners and riders, both AFC Wolverhampton City and Winsford United had really impressive campaigns last season, with them both reaching the play-offs, but it remains to be seen whether the impressive influx of new clubs into the league stifles their progress. Likewise to be said for Whitchurch Alport, who’s manager Jayson Starkey wants his side to be pushing up the right end of the table, and Sutton United, who produced one of the biggest shocks in MFL playoff history when they bested Gornal Athletic at Garden Walk.
This has shaped up to have the potential to be one of the best seasons in terms of unpredictability that the MFL has ever seen, so we'll be more than happy to be ridiculing these predictions come this time next year - but for now, here goes. It looks to be a very competitive season, and us at MFL HQ are looking forward to it. We spoke to fans and experts, and here's our five players to watch!
Five to watch: Dan Broni-Phillips (Sporting Khalsa), Lewis Billingsley (West Didsbury and Chorlton), Reece Francis (Lye Town), Jayden Hunter (Sutton United), Junior Brown (Winsford United)
Midland League preview and predictions below. Given the lack of information out there it’s probably a reasoned piece.
Capelli Sport Midland Football League
We’re now less than a week away from the start of the Midland Football League season, and thus begins nine months of non-stop action that starts with a jampacked Saturday on the 1st of August, and will end with the Division One play-off final on the 1st of May.
We’re starting our season preview off with a visit to the top level of MFL football, as we look at a Premier Division which welcomes a whole host of new teams - as the league shifts geographically to the North.
This brings a sense of unknown to the division, with last season’s defeated play-off finalists Northwich Victoria tipped by many to go one step further this campaign, and are boosted by several huge signings, including George Nugent, formerly of Tranmere Rovers.
They’ll face competition for top-spot however, with West Didsbury and Chorlton, non-league heavyweights and FA Vase Quarter-Finalists moving into the league. There is an attitude at Brookburn Road that promotion to Step 4, which they almost achieved two years ago, is the key goal this season, with star man and cult hero Victor Abadaki key to any success they may have.
Runcorn Town ran away with the NWCFL South title last season, racking up 89 points from 34 games, and only losing once in the process, so naturally they are tipped for success this season - and then there’s Sporting Khalsa. After half a decade out of the league, Ian Rowe’s men return to the Midland Football League with a vengeance, after dropping down from Step 4 by a point after a final day defeat at Witton Albion. Again, anything short of promotion will be seen as a disappointment, but it’ll be down to men like Supporters’ Player of the Season Kieron Whittaker to fire them back to the eighth tier.
Another team that will be looking to bounce back at the first attempt are Wythenshawe Town - under new management in Astley Mulholland and Domaine Rouse, two members of the relegated playing squad - those at Ericstan Park would love to be playing their football in the NPL come August 2027.
Then there are the runners and riders, both AFC Wolverhampton City and Winsford United had really impressive campaigns last season, with them both reaching the play-offs, but it remains to be seen whether the impressive influx of new clubs into the league stifles their progress. Likewise to be said for Whitchurch Alport, who’s manager Jayson Starkey wants his side to be pushing up the right end of the table, and Sutton United, who produced one of the biggest shocks in MFL playoff history when they bested Gornal Athletic at Garden Walk.
This has shaped up to have the potential to be one of the best seasons in terms of unpredictability that the MFL has ever seen, so we'll be more than happy to be ridiculing these predictions come this time next year - but for now, here goes. It looks to be a very competitive season, and us at MFL HQ are looking forward to it. We spoke to fans and experts, and here's our five players to watch!
Five to watch: Dan Broni-Phillips (Sporting Khalsa), Lewis Billingsley (West Didsbury and Chorlton), Reece Francis (Lye Town), Jayden Hunter (Sutton United), Junior Brown (Winsford United)
- Jun 24, 2013
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- 2,203
Their predictions seem to have been removed. But originally at least, they had Vics as league winners and Dids as runners up, which seem reasoned enough punts I guess. Thought they might have given Rokka and/or Duckers as ones to watch 
- Jul 31, 2013
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Lee Jackson played for Vics yesterday
Not very reliable but on his day a good signing
Not very reliable but on his day a good signing
- Jun 24, 2013
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- 1,337
Lee signed today - with Ryan Jackson. Michael, Jermaine and Tito being announced tomorrow.
- Jun 24, 2013
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- Thread starter
- #66
One for the youngsters there
- Jun 24, 2013
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Some interesting results in the ML today. Runcorn Town get off to a winning 4-2 start at Lye. Potential dark horses Abbey Hulton and Sutton United also win. Surprise result of the day in my opinion was Uttoxeter’s 2-1 win at Wythenshawe; did anyone see that one coming
Georgians ran out 4-1 winners at Tividale, so must top the league on match day 1.
Biggest crowd of the day, 398 at the Barton Stadium with Winsford running out 2-0 winners against ten man Dudley.
Georgians ran out 4-1 winners at Tividale, so must top the league on match day 1.Biggest crowd of the day, 398 at the Barton Stadium with Winsford running out 2-0 winners against ten man Dudley.
- Jul 28, 2013
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And Vics could only draw in Runcorn against Romulus.
- Jun 24, 2013
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- Thread starter
- #69
West Dids. 0-7 Runcorn Town
Didn't expect that
Wyth lost 2 out of 2 so far
Didn't expect that
Wyth lost 2 out of 2 so far
- Jun 24, 2013
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West’s heavy loss has resulted in Steve Yarwood parting company with the club.