The top of the Ryman League

As the season enters its final stages, it is becoming clearer and clearer as to who will be finishing where at the top of the Ryman League. As it stands, Whitehawk top the league, with Wealdstone and Concord in second and third respectively, and Lowestoft in fourth, but with games in hand on the two above. It does promise to be a very tense end to a very competitive season!

From what I have seen of these clubs so far this season, I am somewhat surprised at Whitehawks seemingly unassailable lead at the top of the league. When Wealdstone played Whitehawk at the enclosed ground, I thought Wealdstone completely outplayed the league leaders in the second half, without being at their best themselves. However it seems the Hawks ability to grind out the results against teams lower down the table has proven the difference between themselves and the chasing pack, with Wealdstone and Concord in particular dropping points in games they should be winning. As well as this, the money that Whitehawk invest in player wages is also a telling factor as to why they are top of the league. I am led to believe that one of their players lives in Bradford, and travels down for every game. I would find this absolutely astounding for any player at Championship football, let alone the Isthmian Premier division. But, spending large amounts of money has proven successful for Whitehawk so far, and I suppose no one can blame them for spending money that is easily available to them. Despite their current position, I do feel that they will be overturned by Lowestoft.

Personally, I think that Lowestoft are the best team in the league. I have seen them on three different occasions since May last year, all against Wealdstone, and all three times they have completely outplayed the Stones. After a poor start to the season, Lowestoft have inevitably picked up, now without a defeat since late November. They seem to have the ability to win games while not playing well. The number of games that seem to be won in the second half is incredibly frustrating for a Wealdstone fan, but their persistence can only be admired. As I previously mentioned, I think Lowestoft are the best team in the league, and my opinion was backed up in December when they cruised to a 3-0 win at home to Wealdstone. Defensively solid, quick and nimble going forwards, and just a very frustrating side to play against with lots of time wasting and attempting to influence refereeing decisions. But, like Whitehawk and their money, it works for them, and if Lowestoft don't win the league, they are definitely a team I would like Wealdstone to avoid in the play-offs. A very very good side.

Concord Rangers are without a doubt the best team Wealdstone have played at the Vale in the league this season by a mile. I for one did not expect Concord to be so near the top of the table at the end of the season, but credit to them for being so consistent this season. Even with 10 men away at the team third in the table, Concord worked very hard to shut Wealdstone down, were defensively solid, and while not looking too dangerous from open play, Concords set pieces were so good that even top, top teams would struggle to defend against them. All season I have expected Concords run to come to a halt, but each time they have proved me wrong, as they did yesterday winning 2-0 at local rivals Canvey Island which is a great result for them! Again, Concord are a side I as a Wealdstone fan would rather avoid in the semi-finals of the play offs, which makes coming second or even first a must for the Stones!

I think the final play off spot will be occupied by Margate. Gate outplayed Wealdstone at the Vale for 85 minutes before 2 goals from captain Wes Parker got the Stones out of jail. And also at Margate, I thought they were a very good side, moved the ball quickly and looked like they could get goals from anywhere. Gate looked quite fragile at the back however, and I believe Wealdstone were very good value for their 4-2 win at Margate last week, being very clinical when taking their chances and giving Margate no time on the ball. Despite Wealdstone doing the double over Margate this season, I think they are a very, very good side, and it'll be no surprise if they do occupy the final play-off spot. If I could chose 1 side for Wealdstone to play out of Whitehawk, Lowestoft, Concord or Margate, it would be a close call between Whitehawk and Margate.

As I previously mentioned, I think that Lowestoft will win the league, purely because I believe they are the best team in this league. The play offs, in order of second place to fifth place, I think it will be Whitehawk in second, Concord Rangers in third, Wealdstone in fourth and Margate in fifth, meaning Gate face a trip to Whitehawk and the Stones face a trip to...'gulp'...Concord. What a tie that would be! This is my predicted final table, although the ideal situation would be for Wealdstone to steamroll the rest of the season and win the league!!! One can dream...