National League promotion battle heats up as Forest Green Rovers, York City, Boreham Wood and Carlisle United chase Rochdale

It feels as if every National League season is fiercely contested at the top, but the 2025-26 campaign is tighter than ever, as several sides eye promotion to League Two.

Last term, Barnet lifted the title for a fourth time after finishing six points above second-placed York City, who were unable to achieve promotion via the play-offs.

We are around halfway through the season, and only 3 points separate the top 5 teams, but games in hand mean that Rochdale will have the opportunity to stretch their lead at the top.

However, given what has unravelled in the National League over the years, it would be foolish to write off any of the challengers just yet.

Here, DAZN News analyses the promotion picture and which sides have a chance of achieving a move to the EFL.

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Rochdale

Rochdale top the National League table at Christmas and will feel extremely confident of their chances of lifting the title come the end of the season in April.

Having been relegated from League Two in 2023, The Dale have been steadily improving in the fifth tier and now have their best chance of escaping the Non-League.

Jimmy McNulty's side have built their success on a sturdy defence and have only conceded thirteen goals so far this season. Indeed, playing with a back 3 has been pivotal to their success, with captain Ethan Ebanks-Landell proving an immense leader.

While The Dale may only be top on goal difference, they boast 3 games in hand on second-placed Forest Green Rovers, meaning promotion is well and truly in their hands.

However, they will know that a slip-up could let any of the chasing pack overtake them and gain a psychological edge.

Forest Green Rovers

No side has lost fewer games in the National League than Forest Green (2), but they have plenty of work to do if they are to challenge for the title.

Robbie Savage's men may be level on points with Rochdale, but they have played more games than the teams around them, meaning they will likely fall down the table when those matches are played.

Given that The Green have a 15-point cushion on eighth position, the play-offs are a guarantee. However, they will not want a repeat of last season when they exited the semi-finals via a penalty shootout loss to Southend United.

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York City

After the despair of the play-offs last campaign, York are on a mission to win the National League this time round and are set to be Rochdale's closest competitors.

While The Minstermen have also only lost twice this season, they are scoring goals at a frightening rate and have the potential to blow any team away on their day.

Stuart Maynard's front three of Ollie Pearce, Alex Newby and Josh Stones have been formidable, with Pearce leading the scoring charts on 19 goals already.

York are in rampant form right now, having triumphed in their last 7 league games and have already scored 59 goals in 22 matches.

The feeling is that Maynard's men will stop at nothing to achieve promotion to League Two, but will want to avoid another play-off lottery.

@YorkCityFC

Boreham Wood

Not many would have had Boreham Wood to be challenging for promotion this season, but they must be considered contenders after their consistent form.

Luke Garrard's side achieved promotion from the National League South play-offs last term and will be eyeing a top 7 finish at the minimum this time round.

The Wood are only 2 points off top spot and have turned heads with some of their victories. Their 2-0 victory over Carlisle has been a defining result in their season.

In Matt Rush, Boreham Wood have a natural goalscorer, but critically, they have momentum on their side too. While winning the title may be a step too far, promotion via the play-offs is a distinct possibility.

Boreham Wood

Carlisle United

Having been relegated from League Two last term, Carlisle were many people's tip to go straight back up under the guidance of Mark Hughes.

However, a recent dip in form has set The Cumbrians drop back, and they are now 3 points off the pace and have played 3 more games than Rochdale.

In December, Carlisle have suffered back-to-back league defeats for the second time this campaign, having been beaten by promotion rivals York and Rochdale in late September.

Hughes' men do possess an ace card in 12-goal striker Regan Linney, but if they cannot find their best football, then they look nailed on for the play-offs.

carlisleunited.co.uk

Scunthorpe United

Scunthorpe are certainly outsiders in the title race, but have a genuine chance of achieving promotion via the play-offs this season.

Although they have endured a sticky run of form themselves, The Iron are back on track in December, with 2 straight wins leaving them 6 points off the league leaders.

Andy Butler's side have what it takes to beat the top sides on their day, having defeated York away from home. Now, the play-offs are a realistic route to League Two.

Like Boreham Wood, Scunthorpe are going well after achieving promotion from the National League North and are striving to end their five-year absence from the EFL.

Scunthorpe United X

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