Spennymoor Town boss Jason Ainsley says the National League North is tougher to tame than ever.
Despite seeing Salford City and Harrogate win promotion last term it can be argued the overall strength of the division has improved.
Ainsley's Moors are in the promotion hunt once again and the long-serving boss acknowledges there will be plenty fancying their chances.
“I was talking to another manager about this,” Ainsley said. “I don't think there's a stand-out side in the league but everybody can beat everybody so it's that team that goes on a run. It has got tougher without a shadow of a doubt.
“The teams at the bottom can beat anybody. Hereford are going on a run, Southport are on a phenomenal run.”
Ahead of Sutton United in the FA Trophy this weekend, Spennymoor were able to beat Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday night to move up to fifth in the table.
“We were a bit disappointed with our points total over Christmas,” Ainsley said. “We threw away a two-goal lead at Blyth when we should have won. But we picked up a really important three points on Tuesday with a depleted squad – we had four missing with injuries and illness so that was a massive win for us.”
For more on Spennymoor Town's season so far, don't miss Sunday's NLP
