There are numerous football teams in West Yorkshire, this is the season breakdown of all 25 clubs starting from Level 10 of English football, all the way to Level 1.
At Level 7, we had one team who won their domestic league. At level 6, we’ve had one team recover and a currently undergoing major changes, and the other club reach the play offs. Let’s have a look at how the top ranked non-league teams in West Yorkshire have fared this season.
7. Farsley Celtic F.C.
Position in the league – 1st (Promoted) in the Evo-Stik Premier Division (7)
Average points per game – 2.25
Nickname – The ‘Celt Army’
Summary
Since Farsley Celtic reverted back to the old club name in 2015, the Celt Army have risen through the levels of English football, and this season was no different. Optimism remained high following their highest ever finish last season, achieving a play off semi spot, before bowing out to eventual play off winners Ashton United.
Farsley registered their promotion claim right from the start of the season and went 14 league games unbeaten, starting from October to January. The Celt army continued their run of good form during March and April, winning 8 from 10 games. On the final day of the season, Farsley found themselves level on points with County Durham outfit South Shields. At the highly attended final fixture, Farsley ran out 2-0 victors against Maine to clinch the title, and ensure that they will be competing at their highest level in the club’s history next season.
The West Yorkshire side also managed to achieve a cup final fixture, after defeating Belpher Town in the semi final of the Integro League Cup. After playing twice in 48 hours, any hopes of a domestic double were dashed as Lancashire side, Trafford FC edged the final 2-1.
Off the field, there have been equally busy, announcing their new Chairman Paul Barthorpe, replacing the long serving John Palmer. Barthorpe has already made a significant change, after announcing the release of a new logoin a bid to attract younger audiences to the Throstle Nest Stadium. Manager Adam Lakeland & Assistant Manager Mark Bett have also committed their futures to the club, signing a ‘long-term’ contract according to their website.
Twitter –@FarsleyCelticFC
6. Guiseley A.F.C
Position in the league – 19th in the Vanarama National League North (6)
Average points per game – 1.05
Nickname – The ‘Lions’
Summary –
It was Guiseley’s first season in the Vanarama National League North since being relegated last season. After a difficult start with the Lions failing to win in their first five fixtures, results picked up after going unbeaten in their following six games since registering their first victory against Nuneaton Town.
Guiseley remained in the lower half of the table through-out the season, but were able to fight off any relegation fears, finishing nine points outside of the relegation zone. The highlight of their season comes from getting to the 2nd Round Proper of the Emirates FA Cup, a feat which matches their highest round achieved in the club’s history. After defeating the higher ranked Cambridge United in the First Round, the Lions bowed out against SkyBet’s League One outfit Fleetwood Town.
In the West Riding County Cup, the Lions faced off against their West Yorkshire neighbours, Ossett United, only to finish runners up.
In an important season for Guiseley, the club have recently announced that they will be completely debt free as of 1st July 2019. In an open letter to fans, the club seems to putting their difficult season behind them after commenting:
‘Next season will again be a challenging one, although the ownership remains generous in their contributions, we cannot compete with the likes of Hereford, Southport and York…
‘We’re confident that the players recruited, along with Dave Currie’s academy prospects, will come together to form a team on the pitch which you can be proud of and enjoy watching.’
Twitter – @GuiseleyAFC
5. Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C
Position in the league – 7th (Play off Quarter Finalists) in Vanarama National League North (6)
Average points per game – 1.54
Nickname – The ‘Avenue‘
Summary
The Bradford based club have had a promising start to the season, with the Avenue ending up in the Vanarama National League play offs for a second successive year, despite a nervy close of the season. At the quarter finals, BPA lost against eventual runners up Spennymoor Town.
Recently Bradford have announced a new change of management, as former Scunthorpe winger Gary Thompson was unveiled at the new player-manager, following the resignation of former manager Mark Bower who resigned from office after the play off defeat.
In recent news, the club have also announced that they could be signing a 35 year lease on the 3,500 capacity Horsfall Stadium, which is a major progressive step for the club, as they look to further their promotion hopes next season.
Twitter –@BPAFCOfficial
4. FC Halifax Town
Position in the league – 16th in the Vanarama National League (5)
Average points per game – 1.28
Nickname- The ‘Shaymen’
Summary –
Since reforming in 2008, FC Halifax Town have achieved an impressive four promotions in their history among other notable honours, and look to firmly establish themselves in the Vanarama National League.
Inside the first seven matches, the Shaymen sat at the top of the division, with manager Jamie Fullarton being awarded the August Manager of the Month.
During the mid-phase of the season, despite having one of the best defensive lines in the league, the Shaymen were unable to convert their chances, and slipped into the lower half of the table by December. At the turn of 2019, the West Yorkshire side bolstered their attacking prowess, with the addition of loanees’ Manny Duku and Devante Rodney from Cheltenham and Salford respectively.
Results quickly turned to favour Halifax, who went five games unbeaten between March and April, averting any relegation fears. With final victories against play off contenders Wrexham and AFC Flyde, matched with their impressive home record, there is certainly a framework for Halifax to work on looking ahead to next season.
Off the field, the club have already announced slashed prices on season tickets with Halifax announcing:
‘ The Club continues to recognize the importance of building it’s supporter base both young and old…
...with us launching our tickets even earlier this year … we’re really trying to make our football affordable and accessible.‘
Nevertheless, a promising season for the highest ranked West Yorkshire team in non-league football.
Twitter – @FCHTOnline
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Non-League Journalism 