North Ferriby United are off to a flyer. But can they keep it up?

North Ferriby have had a storming start to their first season in the Skrill Conference North division after a historic promotion in May. Here North Ferriby fan and journalism student Dan Clark looks at the season ahead. Most people in Hull can recall the nail biting events of May 4 that sent the city into a euphoric state. Hull's historic promotion back into the Premier League has dominated every City fan's minds as they look forward to the prospect of playing some of the world's biggest sides. But they may well be unaware of another success story in East Riding that very same day Hull drew with Cardiff. Just nine miles down the road, North Ferriby United experienced the biggest game of their 79-year existence. A 2-0 victory against Ashton United was just enough to guarantee a pulsating finish to make them champions of the Evostik Premier and send the Villagers into the Skrill Conference North for the first time. There will be harder competition this year, but Ferriby have started strongly. On the opening day of the season they beat Gloucester City 3-1 followed with convincing wins over Bradford Park Avenue and Boston United. Only a loss to Harrogate Town blotted their perfect start to the season. Manager Billy Heath made a few shrewd additions in the off-season, and they are already starting to pay dividends. Former Grimsby Town striker Nathan Jarman, who was instrumental in Chester's promotion to the Skrill Premier last season, has already got himself on the scoresheet. All the signings that Heath has made have experience in the Skrill North or higher and that will be vital throughout this season.

THE BIG GAMES Gainsborough Trinity – The traditional Conference derby games on Boxing Day and New Year always provide entertaining games of football. Trinity have become one of the leagues stronger sides over the last couple of seasons, so these two games will be very competitive. Stockport County – The Hatters still enjoy a large following of supporters even though they are now 5 levels below the level of football they were playing 11 years ago. They have sold a lot of their players from last season; yet they are still expected to be one of the strongest sides in the division. Their visit to Grange Lane is on the April 5.

KEY PLAYERS Ryan Kendall – The prolific striker scored 36 goals in 35 appearances last season, and Ferriby will be hoping that he continues his form this season. His partnership with Nathan Jarman will be vital to the team's success in the league. Jonathan D'Laryea – The experienced midfielder has been one of the Conference North's best players over recent seasons and the former Man City youth player will be looking to shine yet again. Nathan Peat – His experience in this league with Gainsborough and Harrogate will be vital in ensuring a solid defence against some of the league's heavyweights.

VERDICT After comfortably winning their first two games, North Ferriby will be looking to build and extend their strong start to the season. There will be stronger contests, but Boston's opening day 4-1 thumping of Stockport County demonstrates that anything is possible in this league. The Villagers have bought well, and if they keep their confidences high and their star players fit, a challenge for the playoffs wouldn't be beyond them.