Whilst footballing fans may tend to focus on the promotion race going on in the Championship, League One and Two and even the National League, the likes of Kings Lynn and York City are criminally under-applauded by the critics as they fight off up to 11th place in the National League North.
Due to the FA's decision to cancel the remaining fixtures left of the National League and the North and South divisions, the hard work could possibly all be for nothing, but hopefully a verdict can be made in the coming weeks regarding the promotion and relegation places in England's fifth and sixth tier.
One side who have been unlucky to miss out on a highly contested National League North play-off position are West Yorkshire side Guiseley FC, who were relegated from the National League two seasons ago but have failed to cement their return as of yet. The Lions finished the season in 11th place, just four points out of the play-off positions despite a strong squad and management team behind them.
Impressing in his first season at Nethermoor Park is new signing Jamie Spencer, who had spent the previous two campaigns at Bradford Park Avenue. The former Huddersfield youth prospect spoke on his first year and the league's cancellation, saying: "I've thoroughly enjoyed it, good group of lads and three very good managers in their own individual way which have helped me on and off the pitch whilst I was injured. I think looking at the games compared to the teams around us and the form we was in, and especially our away form, I'd of definitely backed us as the team was getting stronger week in week out.
"It's hard to say for definite but the managers and players definitely fancied our chances which would have been a fantastic season for a group of young lads who've never really played together before."
The defensive midfielder continued to speak on the form the Lions were in, especially praising their away form, however he denied any rumours surrounding superstitions: "I think that away from home we can sit back against teams and then counter, we're very fit which suits us then being on the counter. I think next year we need to get better at learning to break down teams who sit back against us.
"I've never really thought about it to be honest, I try not to get into them. I have a routine of sorting my bag out the night before the game, having a coffee or two on the way to the game and an energy drink before the game, but I wouldn't call it superstition at all."
A big reason for Guiseley's promotion push is also experienced managers Marcus Bignot and Russ O'Neill: "They're both very good managers and people too. They've both done well in these leagues and they have a lot of experience and knowledge about this level and progressing to the leagues above which is excellent for me and the younger players in the group especially.
"They've improved my game definitely, Marcus is more on the football side and coaching and improving that side of my game. And Russ is improving me on being a leader, winner and getting me to my football which is why they compliment each other as joint managers."
Before moving to Nethermoor Park, Spencer spent two years prior at fellow West Yorkshire side Bradford Park Avenue, where he shone under Mark Bower's tenure before being part of the upheaval at the Horsfall Stadium. In recent days it has been confirmed that Bower and assistant Danny Boshell have signed new three year contracts, which Spencer spoke on: "Yeah it's mint, I'm still close with with a lot of the lads at who I was with for a couple of years at BPA and I think everybody agrees that they're definitely the two right people for the job. And I'm more than certain they'll do a good job on and off the pitch to get the club back on track, which would be nice to see."
He continued to commend Bower, saying: "I think it's a massive learning curve for anybody who goes from full-time academy football to non-league football. It's so different. Bows and Bosh were very honest and helped me as much as they could and the lads at BPA who had played at all levels helped me too, which I learnt a lot. Also just seeing the games and training and the general way of non-league football was a learning curve for myself."
Spencer featured in Guiseley's 5-0 thumping against Bradford (PA) on the second day of the season, which saw Spencer even nick a goal of his own: "It wasn't as bad as I thought, I think if the managers and the players who I'd played with would have been there it would have been a lot different I imagine."
Whilst the 22 year old challenges for Guiseley, he also doubles as a civil engineer on the highways: "Sometimes it's tough, when you have Tuesday games either at home or away then having to get up at half five or quarter to six the next day is very tough after playing ninety minutes and then having to get on with work can be tough to say the least.
"Also going to the gym when we've only got training through the week is tough as you're knackered from both work and football, but you have to bridge the gap as a lot of clubs are starting to be full-time or train so you need to make sure you're staying as fit as possible to help you get to the next step. I'm just lucky on the other day that I enjoy my job."
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