Two Games To Go: Everything Still To Play For In National League 1
With just two rounds remaining in the National League 1 season, the picture at both the top and bottom of the table remains finely balanced.
At the summit, Rotherham Titans (101 points) lead the way, with Plymouth Albion and Blackheath (both 97) in pursuit. Behind them, the race for second place and a home playoff remains just as significant.
Further down the table, several sides are still fighting for survival, adding another layer of intensity to the final weeks.
The Title Race
Rotherham hold a four point advantage and remain in control heading into the final two fixtures.
However, their run-in is far from straightforward.
- Sedgley Park (A)
- Sale FC (H)
Sedgley are still battling near the bottom of the table and will be desperate for points, while Sale have already shown they are capable of competing with the league’s top sides.
For Albion, the path is clear.
- Sale FC (A)
- Leeds Tykes (H)
To have a chance of finishing first, Albion will likely need maximum points from their final two matches, while also relying on Rotherham dropping points.
Blackheath, level on points with Albion, face:
- Leeds Tykes (A)
- Clifton (H)
With both of those sides still having something to play for, there are no easy fixtures remaining.
Points Difference Could Be Decisive
With so little separating the top three, points difference is now a major factor.
- Rotherham: +468
- Plymouth Albion: +424
- Blackheath: +333
Rotherham currently hold an advantage over Albion, while Albion sit significantly ahead of Blackheath.
That means if teams finish level on points:
- Rotherham are likely to retain top spot unless that gap is reduced
- Albion are in a strong position to finish above Blackheath
It also changes the mindset heading into the final two games.
Wins alone may not be enough. Running up the score and securing bonus points could prove crucial, particularly if the title or second place is decided on fine margins.
The Race for Second
While the title remains the headline, second place carries huge importance.
The team finishing second will host the National League 1 playoff (2nd vs 3rd) on Saturday 9 May, a one-off fixture that offers a significant advantage.
Albion currently hold that position and, combined with their points difference advantage over Blackheath, are in a strong position heading into the final two rounds.
However, with both sides level on points, the race for second place is set to go right down to the final day of the season.
Albion are already guaranteed a place in the playoffs, but securing that home advantage remains a key objective.
Leeds: Not Safe Yet
One of the most important details in the run-in sits just outside the title race.
Leeds Tykes, who Albion host in the final game of the season, are not yet mathematically safe from the relegation playoff.
With an eight point cushion and two games remaining, they are in a strong position, but the threat remains.
That means Albion’s final fixture could carry significance at both ends of the table, adding further intensity to what is already shaping up to be a crucial match.
Sale and the Wider Picture
Sale FC may sit outside the top three, but they remain central to how the season could unfold.
Fixtures against both Albion and Rotherham give them a direct influence on the title race.
Elsewhere, teams in the lower half such as Sedgley Park, Clifton, Birmingham Moseley and Dings Crusaders are still battling to avoid relegation or the playoff position.
With so much at stake across the division, every fixture carries weight.
What Could Happen
With two games remaining, the possibilities remain open.
Albion win the league
Win both matches and rely on Rotherham dropping points, while also keeping an eye on points difference.
Albion finish second
Match or better Blackheath’s results, with points difference likely playing a key role.
Albion finish third
If Blackheath outperform Albion across the final two rounds.
The Bigger Picture
Promotion from National League 1 remains a multi-step process.
- 1st place earns automatic promotion
- 2nd vs 3rd meet in a playoff (9 May)
- Winner progresses through the Championship accession final (23 May)
For Albion, finishing second would mean hosting that first playoff, a significant advantage in a one-off match.
Final Stretch
Two games. Ten points available. Three teams chasing the title.
Rotherham hold the advantage.
Albion are right in the fight.
Blackheath remain a serious threat.
And now, points difference adds another layer to the story.
For Albion, the focus is clear. Win games, maximise opportunities and keep the scoreboard moving.
At the start of the season, we said Your Seat. Your Story.
And what a story it has been.
Now, with two games to go, the next chapter is still to be written. A title still within reach. A home playoff on the line. Everything to play for.
Watch Albion take on Sale this weekend and you can watch it live here on Clubber TV
Make sure you’re there to be part of it. – Tickets for Albion’s final home game are available by clicking here.
