BACK IN '79....
BACK IN '79....
In 1977 the FA decided that, rather than allow a whole host of non-league clubs to apply for League membership, only the two best applicants would be put forward. This proved successful, allowing Wimbledon and Wigan Athletic into the Football League over the next two seasons. For 1979/80 the Southern and Northern Premier Leagues decided to combine their top clubs to form a new national non-league league (you know what I mean), the Alliance. Here is the table as it was at the end of that season; Altrincham were exceptionally unlucky not to gain entry to the League when two of their supporters 'forgot' to vote, meaning they lost out to Rochdale by just one vote! For the six seasons after that no-one came close to success, until automatic one-club exchange was finally agreed in 1986/7. Clubs highlighted have enjoyed League membership since then are highlighted in red.
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|
Pos. |
Team |
Pts. |
Divisions +/-* |
|
1. |
ALTRINCHAM |
56 |
0 |
|
2. |
WEYMOUTH |
54 |
0 |
|
3. |
WORCESTER CITY |
49 |
-1 |
|
4. |
BOSTON UNITED |
45 |
-2 |
|
5. |
GRAVESEND & NORTHFLEET 1 |
44 |
0 |
|
6 |
MAIDSTONE UNITED |
43 |
-2 |
|
7. |
KETTERING TOWN |
43 |
0 |
|
8. |
NORTHWICH VICTORIA |
42 |
0 |
|
9. |
BANGOR CITY 2 |
42 |
--- |
|
10. |
NUNEATON BOROUGH 6 |
39 |
-3 |
|
11. |
SCARBOROUGH 5 |
39 |
-5 |
|
12. |
YEOVIL TOWN |
36 |
+2 |
|
13. |
TELFORD UNITED 3 |
34 |
-1 |
|
14. |
BARROW |
34 |
0 |
|
15. |
WEALDSTONE |
33 |
-2 |
|
16. |
BATH CITY |
32 |
-1 |
|
17. |
BARNET |
30 |
+1 |
|
18. |
A. P. LEAMINGTON 4 |
25 |
-3 |
|
19. |
STAFFORD RANGERS |
22 |
-1 |
|
20. |
REDDITCH UNITED |
18 |
-1 |
Redditch were relegated to the Southern League Midland, and replaced by Frickley Athletic (NPL champions).
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Notes:
1) Renamed EBBSFLEET UNITED.
2) Left for the League of Wales.
3) Subsequently collapsed, then reformed as a fans' club, AFC TELFORD UNITED.
4) Subsequently collapsed, then reformed as LEAMINGTON.
5) Subsequently collapsed, then reformed as SCARBOROUGH ATHLETIC.
6) Subsequently collapsed, then reformed as NUNEATON TOWN.
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