Sam Elliott from league sponsors Vanarama offer some answers about the actual importance of the first seven weeks 

Exactly how much can we really read into things by mid-September? There’s a lot to be said for going back when it comes to looking forward.

Matt Gray’s message after Wrexham’s late fightback was pretty clear – there is still a long way to go and nobody is pressing any panic buttons because of a winless six-game run.

But what clues are on offer about what’s ahead by returning to this point in time over the past few years? Let’s re-visit Septembers of years gone by to see how the first six weeks have shaped things.

After eleven games last season, Sutton sat level on points with the play-off places. Of course, United ended the last campaign in mid-table.

The year before, things appeared even better. Sitting in fourth place a month-and-a-half in, Paul Doswell’s team trailed the leaders by just a point. That season saw a history-making third place finish.

In 2016-17, the start was even more accurate as a guide to what was going to happen. The team were 12th six weeks in, and that’s where U’s ended up.

So what did the National League look like this time last year, and did it offer any indication to what was in front of us?

After eleven matches the team leading the way were Harrogate Town with 25 points and seven wins. They ended the season in sixth.

Wrexham will say the first six weeks gives us no insight at all – a good job looking at their start to the new campaign. The Dragons were second, winning seven of their first eleven. A few months later, they finished in fifth and limped out in the play-offs in the Eliminator.

Eventual champions Leyton Orient were third, just a few points behind, with Salford City, who would go on to take the second promotion slot, sitting just behind them.

Should the teams at the bottom be bothered by a slow start? Yes, if this time last year is anything to do by. Three of the four sides sitting in the relegation zone are all National League South sides now. Dover – bottom twelve months ago – were the only side to turn it around.

Sponsors Vanarama have recently launched the Club Reward scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Motorama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback!

For the latest van leasing deals head to Vanarama.

For the latest car leasing deals head to Motorama.