Final day permutations

By James Gordon

It’s the final day of the 2021/22 regular season and all four league titles are still up for grabs.

Premier Division

A draw for Buxton away at Stalybridge Celtic is enough for them to secure the title.

Even if Buxton lose, South Shields would need to beat Grantham Town and there be an 11 goal swing for Shields to nab the title.

If they don’t manage that, South Shields are at least guaranteed second place and a home play-off semi-final on Tuesday night.

The other home advantage for the play-offs is still up for grabs.

Warrington Town (71pts, +22) sit third, and travel to fifth place Matlock Town (69pts, +21).

In between them are Scarborough Athletic (71pts, +10), who welcome Radcliffe.

The only other team that can finish in the play-offs are Bamber Bridge (68pts, +8), who host Nantwich Town.

Warrington are all but guaranteed their play-off place virtue of the 14 goal difference advantage they have over Bamber Bridge.

A draw for Scarborough secures their play-off place, though they could only be displaced otherwise if both Matlock and Bamber Bridge win.

If Bamber Bridge win, Matlock must win otherwise they will slip out of the play-off places.

Bamber Bridge are the only one of the four sides who cannot earn a home semi-final.

At the bottom, Witton Albion and Grantham Town are already relegated. Basford United currently occupy the third bottom spot, but the NPL sides boast a superior points per game advantage and so will earn a reprieve in that position.

East Division

Similar to the Premier, Liversedge (90 pts, +74) need a point at Worksop Town to guarantee the title, but boast a three point lead and a superior goal difference of 14 to nearest rivals Marske United.

Marske (87pts, +60) welcome Ossett United knowing the odds are very much stacked against them.

The other three play-off teams are already secure - Cleethorpes Town, Stockton Town and Shildon.

Cleethorpes (66pts, +24) can secure third place with a draw at Hebburn Town, but a defeat means Stockton Town (63pts, +36) could leapfrog them with a win at Brighouse Town.

Shildon (62pts, +26) can climb to fourth if they beat Frickley at home and Stockton fail to win.

At the bottom, Pickering Town are already relegated following a six point deduction.

There are four teams who can finish second bottom and face automatic relegation; or third bottom and face an inter-step play-off.

Frickley Athletic (29pts, -37), currently second bottom, must win at Shildon to have any chance of avoiding the drop.

Bridlington Town (31pts, -26) can avoid the play-off with a win at home to Dunston, as can Lincoln United (31pts, -31) at home to Pickering.

Sheffield (30pts, -31) need to better the result of at least one team above them when they travel to Pontefract Collieries.

Midlands Division

There is a three way interest in the title race in the Midlands Division.

Ilkeston Town (84pts, +54) start the day in the box seat knowing a win at Wisbech Town seals the title.

A draw will be enough for Ilkeston, unless Chasetown (82pts, +42) can overturn a 12 goal difference against Spalding United.

If Ilkeston lose and Chasetown fail to win, Stamford (81pts, +56) can jump to top with a win against Carlton Town.

Although not in the title race, Halesowen Town (80pts, +48) could still finish second if they win at Daventry Town and Chasetown and Stamford fail to win.

The final play-off spot is still up for grabs between Belper Town (70pts, +20), who need to beat Corby Town to guarantee their spot.

Waiting to pounce if they drop any points are Carlton Town (68pts, +26) away at Stamford.

Everything at the bottom is decided - Soham Town Rangers and Wisbech Town are both relegated, while Histon are in the play-off spot.

West Division

A win for Warrington Rylands (84pts, +57) at home to Bootle guarantees them the West Division title.

Anything less than a win, means Workington (83pts, +45) can snatch the title if they win at Market Drayton Town.

The three play-off sides are confirmed as Leek Town, Runcorn Linnets and Marine.

Marine (74pts, +25) host Leek (76pts, +36), with Leek knowing a win will guarantee them third spot and a home semi-final.

A draw might be enough for Leek, if Runcorn Linnets (75pts, +33) fail to beat Colne at home.

If Marine and Leek draw, a win for Runcorn will see them jump to third and earn a home semi-final.

At the bottom, Kendal Town and Market Drayton Town are already relegated.

Due to their superior PPG, it’s unlikely a West Division side will be involved in the inter-step relegation playoffs. There are four sides who could finish in the play-off spot - Prescot Cables (39pts, -20), Newcastle Town (39pts, -15), Glossop North End (40pts, -16) or Ramsbottom United (42pts, -14).

For Ramsbottom to slip, the other three teams would need to win - with Prescot needing a swing of six goals in any case.

Where next?

Final Day Commentaries All the links for the final day's action
NPL Show - Final Day Special 4 Trophies still remain... Where will it go, Lets ask Ben.

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Northern Premier League - Premier
Northern Premier League - East
Northern Premier League - Midlands
Northern Premier League - West

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