Lincoln City
Position : 1st - 58 Points
Form : Played 15/Won 11/Drawn 3/Lost 1 - 36/45 Points
It's only right to start with the side pushing to get out of non-league this season, Lincoln City. It's fair to say that many wouldn't have expected them to be pushing for the title, in the manner that they are this season, having not managed a top-half finish in this division for the past five years. This season didn't start exceptionally well, having dropped 14 points from their first twelve games, form of a side just pushing for a top-half finish. However, since then, they clawed back the 8 point deficit to Forest Green and have looked incredible, not only in the league, but also in the FA Cup. Their incredible run of form has seen them only drop nine points out of their last fifteen outings, which has put them clear at the top, by four points. The only blemish on the record, came against struggling side Guiseley, but this was just one of those days, as proven by their trio of successive wins since. In this period, they've averaged an impressive 2.27 goals per game and only conceded an equally impressive 0.93 goals per game, outlining their strength in all aspects. They showcased how good they are to the world in the FA Cup 3rd Round, dismantling Championship opposition, Ipswich Town, with relative ease. Not only are they the best team in non-league on the pitch, they are also followed by one of the best set of supporters in non-league, bolstering an average attendance of 3933, which is only bettered by Tranmere Rovers. With a squad full of Football League experience as well as numerous quality players, who clearly are happy with the manager's philosophy, I can't see anyone stopping Lincoln City getting back into the Football League this season.
Chesham United
Position : 8th - 49 Points
Form : Played 10/Won 7/Drawn 3/Lost 0 - 24/30 Points
For three consecutive seasons from 2011/12-2013/14, Chesham United were consistently in the playoffs in this division, however, they always seemed to fall short at the final hurdle. A reshuffle in personnel in 2014/15, saw them drop to 12th place, a respectable finish for a consolidation season. Last season, they really put their talent on show, reaching the Second Round of the FA Cup, in which they beat Football League opposition for the first time since the 1979/80 season. Their league form suffered due to the run though, as they ended up finishing in 11th place. They didn't start the season too well, finding consistency to be non-existent, as they found themselves with only 25 points after 16 games. However, that's a tally which they've nearly doubled since, finding 24 points from their previous 10 league outings. They've stepped up their game to the next level in recent times, averaging an incredible 2.6 goals per game, whilst maintaining strong at back, only conceding 0.8 goals per game. They currently have three games in hand on league leaders Leamington, and winning all these, would see them just 3 points off the top, aswell as giving themselves a nice buffer in their hunt for the playoffs. If they can keep this form up, especially in games against the teams around them in the league, there's every chance that, in their 10th successive season under management team Andy Leese and Jon Meakes, they can finally get promoted into the Conference South.
Blyth Spartans
Position : 1st - 56 Points
Form : Played 15/Won 11/Drawn 3/Lost 1 - 36/45 Points
Blyth Spartans, one of non-leagues most recognisable teams, are well on their way to getting back in the Conference North for the first time since the 2011/12 season, in which they suffered relegation for the first time in their 117 year history. Two great FA Cup runs in the 70's was how they put their name out there, and, just to remind people that they can still produce a giantkilling, they managed two Third Round appearances in 2008/09 and 2014/15. Last year, they reached a phenomenal tally of 99 points, but were pipped to the title by Darlington, before falling short against Workington in the playoff semi final. Similar to Chesham, they didn't have the best start to the season, only picking up 20 points from their opening 12 games, however, since then they've only suffered defeat once, in a run that's seen them leapfrog teams like Whitby and Stafford, to sit top by 6 points. Led by former Newcastle and Ipswich striker Alun Armstrong, they look like an unstoppable force, scoring 2.27 goals per game and conceding just 0.73 in this run. The financial help of their recent FA Cup runs has been crucial, allowing them to attract better quality players, aswell as managing to get loanees from Newcastle in particular, their strength in depth is very impressive. There isn't many teams that can compete with Blyth Spartans in this division, they're known for always being one of the top teams at this level, and, this year is proving to be no different.
Part Two will be up at the usual time tomorrow, featuring a side who's won 11 consecutive league games and the only unbeaten side in the top 6 steps of non-league football.
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