Has standard of football dropped this year?

I'VE seen my fair share of Ryman Premier games this season and I have to say the standard of the division doesn't appear to be anything like it was last year.

Dover Athletic are head and shoulders above the rest and deserve to win the league, but what of the rest below? Last season the division was so close, with just a handful of points between the teams battling for the play-offs and those fighting against relegation.

Carshalton flattered to deceive last season, but have improved this campaign and are one of the better footballing sides in the Ryman Premier. Under Terry Yorath, Margate have looked to pass the ball and Maidstone earlier in the season looked a side that could move the ball.

The amount of times you see games in which teams are so wasteful with the ball and with the majority of players looking to play direct, it's not made for good viewing.

It seems these days, despite the wishes of their managers, some players are happy to just get rid of the ball. Perhaps Dover's short time in the division might give other teams something to think about for next season.

What do you think? Are there teams out there playing good football?

Glenn Pearson