Welcome back to the National League Lowdown! We have reached the halfway point of the season, which means it is time to face the music. Dan is joined by a full house—Craig, Mark, and Louis—to review our pre-season predictions, eat some humble pie, and grade every single team’s performance so far from A to F*.

In this episode, we analyze the stats, the sackings, and the surprises. We break down how Boreham Wood have managed to secure 53 points from 24 games immediately after promotion, and debate if Rochdale’s impressive 2.36 points-per-game average makes them the "true" favorites despite their pitch issues. We also discuss the struggles at the bottom, looking at Gateshead’s slide and Morecambe’s rigid tactical approach.

We don't just look back; we look forward. The panel gives their updated predictions for the Relegation Zone, the Playoff Winners, and the National League Title. Will Carlisle United hold onto the top spot, or will the squad depth of York City prove too much in the final stretch?

In this episode, we cover:

Mid-Season Report Cards: We grade all 24 teams based on expectations vs. reality. Who gets the dreaded 'F' for Failure, and which team secured the only unanimous 'A*'?

The Relegation Battle: With Sutton in the drop zone and Braintree struggling for goals (failed to score in 13 games), who do we think is destined for the drop?

The Title Race: It’s tight at the top. We debate the merits of Carlisle, York City, and Rochdale.

Surprise Packages: Analysis of Wealdstone’s rise to 13th and Tamworth surpassing "second season syndrome" fears.

Team Grades & Key Discussion Points:

The Title Contenders: Why Boreham Wood (2nd place) and Scunthorpe received top marks.

The Playoff Hunt: Hartlepool’s defensive record (0.8 goals conceded per game) and Halifax’s recruitment success.

The Relegation Scrap: Why Gateshead and Morecambe received 'F' grades and the path to safety for Truro and Boston.

Updated Predictions: We close the show by locking in our fresh predictions for May.

Relegation: Consensus on Gateshead and Morecambe, but disagreement on Truro and Braintree.

Playoff Winners: Can York City or Boreham Wood triumph at Wembley?

Champions: The panel is split between York City, Carlisle, and Rochdale.

Timestamps: Gateshead - 2.17

Truro - 2.50

Morecambe - 4.27

Sutton - 5.55

Aldershot - 7.11

Braintree - 8.38

Boston - 9.52

Brackley - 11.17

Altrincham - 12.30

Yeovil - 13.42

Eastleigh - 15.10

Wealdstone - 16.24

Woking - 17.53

Tamworth -18.50

Solihull Moors - 19.55

Hartlepool - 21.17

Halifax - 22.25

Southend - 23:28

Scunthorpe - 24:45

Rochdale - 25.:54

York - 27:39

Forest Green - 28:51

Boreham Wood - 30:06

Carlisle - 31:56

Relegated - 33:44

Play Off Winner - 44:06

Champions - 48:12

Finish - 54:28

Join the Debate: Who do you think has been the overachiever of the season so far? Are we being too harsh on Carlisle despite them being top of the league? Let us know your grades and predictions in the comments below!

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