As the season reaches its halfway point, we take a look at how the county’s teams have fared in the opening four months of 2016-17.
Following their top of the table clash at Forest Green Rovers over the weekend, Dover Athletic remain outside the playoff places by one point.
Ricky Miller’s 22 league goals mean Chris Kinnear’s side find themselves challenging for promotion, but their lack of stability at the back may suggest the east coast team may struggle to maintain their high position.
The second highest top scorers in the league also have the weakest defence in the top half of the National League table, including a bad run of away form which saw them concede nine goals in two trips to Chester (5-0) and Gateshead (4-2).
The loss of Sean Raggett to high flyers Lincoln City over the summer was the standout departure of pre season for Whites fans and the loss of his stability at the back can be seen in the 37 goals they’ve allowed in their opening 24 matches.
Further down the table, Bromley find themselves comfortably in a mid-table position.
After a successful first season in non-league football’s top tier, finishing 14th, the Lilywhites are becoming an established National League side.
They had a tough start to 2016-17, losing their first three league games without scoring. However, their luck soon changed when, starting with a 2-2 draw at Hayes Lane, Neil Smith’s team only lost one of their next five matches.
This run allowed them to put the tough start aside and push on into the position they find themselves in now. Whilst a playoff push is unlikely, a gap of 12 points between themselves and the relegation zone sets Bromley up well to achieve another mid table finish.
A team who is not in such a comfortable position however, are Maidstone United. After winning promotion via a dramatic playoff campaign last season, Jay Saunders will be looking for safety from relegation as the league reaches its halfway point.
November was the standout month for the Stones’ troubling league position. The Stones only tasted victory once- a 2-1 home win over Eastleigh.
Another issue for Saunders is a lack of goals in recent weeks. Having only scored 55 goals in their promotion winning season last year in a campaign which was heavily focused on a strong defensive line, they’ve struggled to show any attacking output over the last month. Scoring just five goals in all competitions since their 3-2 defeat at Southport in early November.
If the new National League side want to maintain their status for next season they can’t simply rely on a firm defence, unlike in previous years. They have a worse goal difference than three of the six teams below them.
The Christmas could prove to be vital. Matches against fellow strugglers North Ferriby and Guiseley are must wins whilst the added spice of a Kent derby could provide a chance for some surprise points in two matches against Dover in Boxing Day and New Years Day.