Northern Premier League Attendances for August

Thanks to the Coronavirus epidemic the eight months since mid-December 2020 saw a dearth of non-League football, and so the much anticipated 2021-22 season August brought 199 long-awaited Northern Premier League fixtures. With it too came a rise in the number of spectators at many clubs, thanks in part to the difficulties many fans had in going on a normal summer holiday.

In the Premier Division, South Shields v FC United of Manchester 24th August was watched by 2, 362, the highest attendance figure so far. The Mariners have invested much this season and, so far, have been rewarded with 5,777 fans at three games giving them an average of 1,926 per game. Their opponents in that game FC United have seen 5,122 spectators through the turnstiles at Broadhurst Park, their three games giving a 1,707 average. The other club with big gates is Scarborough Athletic whose 3,810 gives 1,270 over their three home matches. The 66 games played in the Division in August were watched by 39,581 fans at an average of 599 per game. The Division’s lowest crowd was 201.

For many the addition of 20 new teams and the rejigging of the lower Divisions has added much interest. That has added to the numbers attending those matches too. New boys Stockton Town and Hebburn Town drew 616 on 18th August in the East Division. The Anchors two matches have yielded 1,150 fans or an average 575. Marske United’s three games have brought in 1,233 or 411 per game, whilst Sheffield FC have seen their gates rise to 1,176 over three matches at 392 a time. Overall, 12,993 have watched the 44 East Division games giving a mean of 295. The lowest gate was just 75.

The new Midlands Division has certainly brought extra interest for many NPL supporters and 887 souls witnessed Belper Town take on Ilkeston Town on 30th August. 12,689 watched 46 games, or 275 per match. The Nailers’ 1,267 over two matches had an average 634 watching them. Halesown Town weren’t far behind on 1,245 and 623. The Robins of Ilkeston’s figure are 887 and 444, Corby Town 860 and 430, whilst Stamford’s 1,163 in three games gave them a 388 average. The lowest crowd was 83.

The West Division stand out game was last Saturday’s Marine against Prescot Cables where 1,181 at The Mariners only home fixture so far, thanks to pitch works, give them the same figure as their average. 14,098 supporters have watched 43 games giving a divisional 335 per match. Marine top the average attendance chart, whereas Runcorn Linnets two matches have brought in 1,433 fans or a 713 average. Close behind are Workington with 1,172 and 586, Clitheroe at 1,538 from three or 513 per game and City of Liverpool’s 1075 from three giving a 358 average. The lowest attendance in this division so far is 103.

For many clubs the long break has been used to upgrade facilities and this has clearly assisted in bringing back more fans. Let’s hope that September brings more through the turnstiles and that further increases are in the offing this season.