Talking Points: The big stories in Non-League

Stockport are now level on points with leaders Chorley. Picture: Mike Petch

What is happening at North Ferriby on and off the pitch?

The Villagers have endured a torrid few years. With the Yorkshire side now stranded 22 points away from safety a third straight relegation looks to be looming for the former FA Trophy champions.
Off the pitch, a vicious battle between fans and the club’s board has emerged after owner Carl Chadwick revealed plans to both re-name and re-locate the club. A decision on whether the proposals can go forward is set to be made by the FA in the coming weeks.
 

How are Wrexham fairing under Bryan Hughes?

It couldn’t really be going much better for the Dragons!
Last night’s win at Boreham Wood pushed them to the summit of the National League table and secured back-to-back away wins for the first time since the middle of August to continue Hughes’ 100% win record so far.
 

Who will become the first side to net 100 goals in the top 4 steps?

Baring an absolute miracle it will be Hayes & Yeading United. The Hillingdon-based club have taken the Bostik South Central Division by absolute storm this season and currently have a massive 14-point lead over second-placed Bracknell Town.
They have scored 99 times in the league so far this season and few would bet against them breaking into triple figures against play-off chasing Ware on Saturday.
 

Did the title race in the Northern Premier League take another turn at the weekend?

It certainly did! Last weekend was always going to be a crucial moment at the top of the NPL with four of the top five playing each other.
Warrington Town moved up to second after inflicting South Shield’s first home defeat of the season, while Nantwich nicked a last gasp equaliser to share the spoils against fifth-placed Scarborough Athletic.
 

What is the situation regarding Paul Scholes and Salford?

When Paul Scholes took the managerial job at League Two side Oldham Athletic earlier in the month, questions were asked over whether a conflict of interest may emerge with his 10% shareholdings in the Ammies.
However, the Football League ruled that a holding of 10% or less in a club is disregarded providing it is held “purely for investment purposes”.
If Salford win promotion this year, Scholes could therefore find himself in the unusual position of coming up against a club which he partly owns.
 

Are Chorley still riding high in the National League North?

A few weeks ago they were streets ahead but Jamie Vermiglio’s side are now a team under big pressure. The Magpies slipped to a second defeat in four games after losing at Alfreton on Saturday, while fellow title chasers Stockport and Spennymoor seem to be gaining momentum by the day.
Jim Gannon’s County moved level on points with Chorley last night after beating Southport, while Spennymoor are now just two points behind the league leaders.