BOOKIES have halved odds on Northwich Victoria to win promotion from Blue Square North since the start of the season.

Andy Preece’s men, winners in their past six league and cup encounters, are now rated 7/1 shots to return to the Blue Square Premier at the first attempt.

Before a ball was kicked in August league sponsors Blue Square rated them 15/2 outsiders.

But Vics, who without their 10-points penalty for entering administration at the end of last season would be second behind Droylsden in the standings, have proved they are contenders after losing only one of their past seven league matches.

Table-toppers Droylsden remain Blue Square’s tip for top spot, followed by big-spenders Fleetwood Town.

Southport are next.

Vics have met five of the eight teams currently rated as a better bet to be playing in non-league’s top tier next term, failing to beat any of them so far.

Blue Square North
Promotion
6/4 Droylsden
9/4 Fleetwood Town
3/1 Southport
7/2 Eastwood Town
15/4 Alfreton Town
4/1 Corby Town
9/2 Stalybridge Celtic
11/2 AFC Telford United
7/1 Northwich Victoria