NPL champions crowned across four divisions


Despite going down 1-0 at Stalybridge Celtic, the Bucks boasted a far superior goal difference to nearest rivals South Shields, who lost 1-0 at Grantham Town anyway and finished three points behind.



It is the first completed season since 2018/19, meaning Buxton take over the mantle of NPL champions from Farsley Celtic, the previous winners.

South Shields must now go for promotion through the play-offs, and they will be joined by Scarborough Athletic, Matlock Town and Warrington Town.

Warrington were the losers of the day, going down 2-0 at Matlock, which meant they slipped from third to fifth, while Scarborough’s win at home to Radcliffe secured them third spot.

Liversedge confirmed the NPL East Division title with a 2-0 win away at Worksop Town.

They had all but secured the title courtesy of their superior goal difference to Marske United, who could only draw at home to Ossett United.

Liversedge earn promotion to the Premier Division having lost just once in the league all season, recording 29 wins and amassing 93 points.

There was no change to the order of the play-off places on the final day, with Marske finishing ahead of Cleethorpes Town, Stockton Town and Shildon.

Warrington Rylands won the NPL West Division in their maiden year in the NPL, despite a 2-2 draw at home to Bootle.

Workington could have pinched the title had they won away at Market Drayton Town, but they were held to a 1-1 by the relegated Draymen, who finished bottom of the table with 12 points.

The other key game of the day saw Leek Town beat play-off rivals Marine to finish third, with Runcorn Linnets finishing in between those two in the table in fourth.

Ilkeston Town secured the NPL Midlands Division, which had entered the final day with three possible winners.

Ilkeston took care of their own business by beating Wisbech Town 2-1, rendering results elsewhere obsolete.

As it was, second placed Chasetown were beaten 1-0 at Spalding United, meaning they slipped to finish fourth in the table.

Stamford’s 3-0 win at home to Carlton Town lifted them to second, with Halesowen Town’s thumping 6-1 win at Daventry Town placing them third.

That defeat for Carlton at Stamford, meant Belper Town were safe in the final play-off spot, though they had made sure themselves with a 2-0 win at home to Corby Town.

Pictures: Darren Murphy