This season’s Vanarama National League has been nothing short of remarkable. From relegation battles to play-off chases, the 2022/23 campaign will live long in the memory.
However, the main talking point that has been grabbing all of the headlines is the title race between Wrexham and Notts County. The two have been relentless this season and they both possess a number of the best players in the division, some that should probably be playing in the Football League.
As we approach the last few games of the season, who has the upper hand in the title race?
From looking at the league standings, Phil Parkinson’s side are the favourites to return to the EFL. They are top with 100 points while Notts are in second with 97 points, having played a game more. The Welsh side have not lost since the beginning of October which was a 1-0 away defeat to Notts County.
One of the key reasons for both of their successes this season is due to their in-form strikers – Paul Mullin and Macaulay Langstaff. The latter is leading the golden boot race with 40 goals to his name while Mullin has netted on 34 occasions.
On Friday, Wrexham are on the road as they face FC Halifax Town, a game they are expected to win, and the Magpies host Wealdstone at Meadow Lane.
The big game that could define the title race comes on Easter Monday as Wrexham welcome Luke Williams’ side to the Racecourse Ground. In front of the BT Sport cameras, this game could be a pivotal one as two of the finest teams to have played in the fifth tier lock horns. If Wrexham were to become victors this game, they will be in the driving seat to finally return to League Two. However, a win for the visitors could add another twist in the tail, in what’s been an already dramatic title race.
After the action over the Easter weekend, Notts have another tough test as they take on fellow promotion hopefuls Woking. Similarly to Notts County, Wrexham face a team that is looking for promotion as well in Barnet.
As I mentioned earlier in the piece, Wrexham have played one less game than Notts. This game falls on 18th April as Yeovil Town will be looking to give Notts County a helping hand.
In the two remaining games, Notts take on Maidstone United and York City, while Wrexham face Boreham Wood and Torquay United – all considered to be winnable games for both.
The team that goes on to play in the play-offs will be the favourites to go up. Despite this, both teams are desperate to avoid the potential struggle of play-off games.
Writers View
Whoever goes on to lift the National League title, they would have had to have fought extremely hard for it.
With a number of games still left to play, Wrexham have hit the remarkable milestone of 100 points while Notts are three points behind them. To not be promoted with over 100 points speaks volumes about your opposing competitor.
Who do you think will claim the title?
