National League returns - how can it live up to last season's drama?
The National League kicks off on Saturday with a lot to live up to following the most dramatic end to the 2025-26 campaign.
After 104 days since the National League's regular season concluded with a dramatic finish, 24 teams are set to kick off their 2026-27 campaign. In the previous season, Rochdale and York City secured promotion after a tense finish, with Dale and Minstermen celebrating after exchanging goals in injury time. Carlisle United, despite finishing third in the regular season, faced a disappointing home loss to Boreham Wood in the play-offs, starting their second consecutive term in the league.
Meanwhile, Boreham Wood are chasing a first-ever promotion to the EFL. Clubs like Southend United, Hartlepool United, Forest Green Rovers, Scunthorpe United, Barrow, and Harrogate Town, have ambitions to challenge for play-off places or higher. For newcomers like Worthing and Hornchurch, the uncertainty of a first season in the fifth tier adds an exciting element to their journey in the National League.
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