The 2022-23 Vanarama National League South season gets underway in just over a weeks’ time, as 24 clubs battle it out for just one automatic and one play-off promotion place. Before the new campaign gets underway, we've taken a close look over each side's respective squads and highlighted five forwards we think could finish as the league's top scorer.
Alfie Pavey (26) – Dover Athletic
Following a difficult campaign in 2021-22, Dover Athletic were relegated to the National League South for the first time since 2014. Despite their squad being completely rebuilt over the summer, Alfie Pavey gives supporters hope of an immediate return to the top tier of non-league football.
Joining the Whites on loan from Maidstone United midway through last season, Pavey fitted in right away, scoring eight goals from 18 games for a side that were no less than doomed. Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler has done great business by getting the 26-year-old to sign permanently and if Alfie can replicate last season’s form, they have a top player on their hands.
The bookies currently favour the Whites to push for a play-off spot and if Pavey can hit double figures, that shouldn’t be too much of a reach. However, with so many new players to gel together, it may take time for Dover to really hit their straps.
Shaun Jeffers (30) – St Albans City
At one stage last season, it looked as though St Albans were going to run away with the NLS title, but a disappointing end to a busy campaign saw them not only miss out on top spot, but also fail to make it into the play-offs.
Scoring 27 goals from just 38 league games last season, the 30-year-old was the NLS joint-second top scorer, behind Dorking’s Alfie Rutherford and despite plenty of interest from elsewhere, Jeffers has elected to remain at the club.
With a proven goalscorer such as Jeffers within their ranks, St Albans are expected to be pushing for promotion again in 2022-23. Bookies are predicting play-offs this season, although it may be touch and go.
Jake Robinson (35) – Worthing
Winning promotion to this level from the Isthmian League, Worthing manager Adam Hinshelwood will no doubt have been delighted to secure the services of Jake Robinson, a striker that simply knows how to score at this level.
A real statement of intent for the NLS newcomers, who are currently third favourites to win the NLS. With a striker at their disposal who racked up 52 goals in a single campaign for Billericay Town four seasons ago, they stand a very good chance of succeeding.
Last season was not as prolific for Robinson, scoring only 10 times for a play-off-chasing Dartford side, so it remains to be seen if he can reach his previous heights once again. Worthing will certainly be hoping so.
Dominic Poleon (28) – Ebbsfleet United
How close were Ebbsfleet United to gaining promotion last season? It looked like they had it in the bag before late drama in the play-off final against Dorking Wanderers saw them fall agonisingly short.
Dominic Poleon played a large part in their successes that season, scoring 17 goals from 40 appearances and with the former Newport County attacker in their ranks, they will always stand a great chance of promotion.
Similar to St Albans City, Ebbsfleet can’t afford to miss out much longer before talents like Poleon look to move elsewhere but as clear league title favourites, Poleon will fancy his chances of finally leading the Fleet back to the National League after a two-year absence.
Joe Iaciofano (23) – Oxford City
Last season’s play-off semi-finalists have once again been tipped to make a run at the top seven this time round, but if they are to do so then they'll need someone to provide them with plenty of goals. Joe Iaciofano is that man.
The 23-year-old netted 22 times in what was his first season with the club last year, which is not a bad way at all to introduce yourself to your new supporters. Those numbers are by far and away the best he has ever produced as a pro.
In the music industry, a sophomore slump is defined as “a common trend whereby an artist launches to fame with a debut album before suffering a nosedive with the release of their second.” Can Iaciofano prove he is not just a flash in the pan this season?