National League North 2019-20: who wins the title? Best bets for the new season

York are favourites to win the National League North, but don’t rule out Brackley Town landing promotion having gone close in the previous two seasons.

Twice the Saints have been denied ascension to the National League in the playoffs, losing the final 3-0 to Harrogate in 2017-18 before going out on penalties to Spennymoor in the semis last season.

However, the fact they were only in the playoffs was largely due to their poor start and it’s worth noting that they lost only twice in the league after Christmas.

Boss Kevin Wilkin remains at the helm and has managed to replace centre-back Connor Hall with experienced defender Thierry Audel from Welling, which should leave the squad in good stead to mount another title challenge.

York meanwhile had an underwhelming campaign as they finished 12th under Steve Watson, but have added Steve McNulty from Tranmere to their defensive arsenal. Striker Jordan Burrows should build on last season’s performance but they have too many question marks to warrant backing them at such a short price.

• National League title contenders
• National League team rankings

Chester also sit towards the top of the market despite winning just five of their final 16 matches last season. They have been busy over the summer, with right-back Kevin Roberts from Wrexham and experienced Salford centre-back Danny Livesey the notable signings. They could be in the mix.

Spennymoor also warrant consideration after losing last year’s playoff final to Chorley on penalties, and the addition of former Hartlepool captain Carl Magnay is certainly a step in the right direction. However, they were a little erratic at times which could work against them once more.

• National League South
• Non-league lower divisions

Bradford Park Avenue and Hereford should also go well, but it could be worth having a small wager on Blyth Spartans, who appointed former Huddersfield manager Lee Clark over the summer.

Clark has been busy adding to the side that won their final seven matches last season and his side could be surprise contenders.

Gateshead were demoted from the National League last season due to financial irregularities, and as the ship steadies under ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson, they may also be in the mix.

Recommendations
Brackley
1pt each-way 12-1 Betfred, Hills
Blyth Spartans
0.5pt each-way 25-1 bet365, BoyleSports

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport