2022-23 National League North – Who Could Finish As The League's Top Scorer?
The 2022-23 Vanarama National League North campaign gets underway in just over a weeks’ time, as 24 teams battle it out for one automatic and one play-off promotion place. Before the season gets underway, we've cast our eye over each club's respective squads and picked out five forwards who could finish as the league's top scorer.
Kurt Willoughby (25) – Chester FC
A surprise release from National League North play-off winners York City, Kurt is likely to be the main point of attack for Calum McIntyre’s side, alongside former Curzon Ashton winger Adam Thomas. The forward bagged seven goals from 41 games for the Minstermen last season and will have his eyes set on getting into double figures for his new club.
Following a disappointing 21/22 season which saw them finish 16th, the Seals are predicted to be a legitimate play-off threat this time around. With Willoughby leading the line, we think Chester might just have what it takes to threaten at the right end of the NLN table.
Mark Beck (28) – Darlington
Returning to the club after five years away, Mark Beck is something of a marquee signing for Darlington, who will be looking to better their mid-table finish from last season.
Promoted to League Two with Harrogate Town in 2020, The Quakers are keeping their fingers crossed that he will be among the goals this season and with new signing Marcus Maddison providing the assists, he could really hit top form.
Mark was also Darlington’s top scorer during the 2016/17 season with 18 goals. If he can replicate that kind of form, we think the Quakers could be that one side to keep an eye on, with the bookies touting them to be in and around the play-off conversation.
Amari Morgan-Smith (33) – Kidderminster Harriers
Scoring 11 goals last season, Amari Morgan-Smith did all he could to help Kidderminster Harriers win promotion but after slipping into the play-offs, they ended up falling at the first hurdle, losing to Boston United.
With the experienced striker nearer the end of his career that the start, time is running out for him to play his part in Kiddy's bid to return to the National League top flight for the first time since the 2015/16 season.
Only AFC Fylde have better odds of winning the National League North this season and we think that Morgan Smith's goals could play a key role in that outcome. With the likes of Ashley Hemmings and Omari Sterling-James on either wing, it will be up to Morgan Smith to convert the chances coming his way.
Jordan Ponticelli (23) – King’s Lynn Town
A new addition to the recently relegated Linnets, Jordan Ponticelli would no doubt have been left frustrated by the lack of opportunities on offer at former club Wrexham under Red Dragons manager Phil Parkinson.
With only two goals from 27 appearances last season, King’s Lynn Town could prove to be the perfect place for Ponticelli to get back on track, especially considering his ability to play as a centre forward or even on the wing.
Many expect King’s Lynn to be up at the top end of the table, with the bookies having them down as fourth favourites to be crowned NLN champions. If Jordan can find his goal-scoring touch, especially as the club’s main goal getter, we could be looking at an immediate return to the National League for the Linnets.
Glen Taylor (32) – Spennymoor Town
Where oh where would Spennymoor Town be without the services of fan-favourite Glen Taylor? Of the 52 goals they scored as a team last season, Taylor is responsible for 26 of them which just goes to show how much the club relies on the experienced frontman.
Following a mid-season change in management, with Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley taking charge, Spennymoor were one of the form teams towards the end of the 21/22 season, finishing just three points behind Boston in the final play-off place.
Entering his eighth season with the club, Taylor will be looking to mirror his efforts of last season and if they can carry on from where they left off, the play-offs should be well within reach.
