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Predictions for 2004/5 : Darlington - Macclesfield
By Nathan Jackson
July 29 2004
So we've reached the 2nd half of the first dozen in our round up of each team's chances in the Division this season and yet again, the majority are headed for midtable as far as we can see and before you say it, yes, I have predicted City for a good position this season.

DARLINGTON - PREDICTION 18TH

Darlington have had a nightmare few years. They've gone from title favourites to relegation favourites and with an average ground attenance capacity attendance of 11% (average 3,500 out of 27,500). Their chairman has finally left and I won't pretend to know all the situation with Darlington but from what I've heard, these serious problems now at the club could end up with the club folding, hopefully this won't happen but releGation is a very real prospect seeing as their leading scorer for many years has left and they haven't really found a seemingly worth while replacement.

Like a lot of other clubs in this Division, Darlo are just too inconsistant, at one minute, they look to be climbing away from the relegation battle to only be sucked straight back in. Due to all the above factors, I predict they will finish a rather generous 18th place.

GRIMSBY TOWN - PREDICTION 12th

Grimsby Town have "fallen the stairs" in recent years and have suffered two relegations in a row and having sold their best players, a bleak season is looming. However, still having a lot of League Championship players means that they could very well be dark horses for the playoff places but I wouldn't hold my breath.


KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS - PREDICTION 24TH - RELEGATED

 

First things first, let me apologise to my friend, Scott who is a big Kidderminster supporter but unfortunatly, I can't see Kidderminster surviving this season. They have relied on striker, Bo Henrikson for too long and he was the only player who ever really did anything for them but now he's gone.
 
Kidderminster are rumoured to be the only club in the Divison with a lower wage budget than City and although I have a soft spot for Kidderminster, I find it extremely hard for them just to finish higher than 24th, let alone escape relegation, sorry Scott.

 

LEYTON ORIENT - PREDICTION 22nd

Leyton Orient had a suprising turn of year. Martin Ling had taken over and results improved and a possible playoff place looked likely, however, a disastorous run of only 1 win in 16 (against relegated York) towards the end of the season saw them finish in their customary lower half of the table position, however, I think they will be lucky enough to avoid relegation..........just.

LINCOLN CITY - PREDICTION 2nd

Now, I know what you're all thinking, he's a Lincoln fan, of course he's going to say they'll do well. Well why bloody not??? I've heard everyone saying this about there clubs but unlike them, mine is a rather genuine belief than a seeming attempt to fool themselves.

Lincoln City have had playoff disappointment in the last two seasons but last season, it looked as though the Imps had pulled off the impossible yet again when within 66 first half minutes in the second leg against Huddersfield, they turned the tie from a 2-1 defeat to a 3-2 lead, however, 2 goals from Huddersfield meant the Imps missed out yet again.

The Imps have made some impressive signings including the return of folk hero, Dean West after nearly 10 years away. The Imps have also kept the majority of the team with only influential player, Mark Bailey being the only first teamer to leave.

Anyway, as I was saying, I believe that if we can re-produce the away form of last season and turn a few of those 11 home draws into win, than there is no logical reason why City can't finally achieve promotion this season and finally, officially be the pride of Lincolnshire (based on league positions). Although, I wouldn't made a playoff final win against Boston :P.

MACCLESFIELD TOWN - PREDICTION 16TH

Macclesfield Town may prove to be a dark horse. Last year, everyone at Sincil Bank was suprised when Macc, who hadn't score against the Imps in 5 attempts, were going into added on time level at 2-2. The Imps got a last minute winner. Macc eventually got a new manager an results immediatly improved with impressive results against Hull and Lincoln.

I feel though, that Maccs downfall will be that they only have one key player rather than several and that inevitably, could be there downfall as a likely playoff place could quickly disappear.

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