What a strange season this could be for fans of Macclesfield and Barnet in League Two. Both teams have played four games without picking up a single point - and both were humiliatingly thrashed on Saturday. Macclesfield went down 6-0 in front of their own fans against Darlington, who hadn’t previously won a game - and Barnet lost 5-1 at Chester, who were also without a point before that game.

You'd think both Macc and Barnet would have to be on a slippery slope towards a lengthy relegation battle, yet they find themselves some 15 points clear of the relegation zone!

It is a preposterous position. Luton Town have taken an admirable seven points from their four games but still find themselves 23 points adrift. Bournemouth have only picked up a couple of points but would have four teams below them in normal circumstances. And Rotherham, who have picked up eight points, still find themselves third from bottom by seven points.

Rotherham have made a start that suggests they may well have enough to save themselves comfortably on the pitch this season. Under Mark Robins, they look more than capable of playing their way out of trouble and overcoming their 17-point deduction.

Bournemouth have not started well but, after four games, have reduced the deficit from 17 to 15 points. Luton have shown just enough to demonstrate that they might be able to make the impossible possible and mount an amazing escape from their ridiculous 30-point penalty.

Macclesfield and Barnet can count themselves very lucky that these three teams have been served such harsh punishments. But they will already be looking over their shoulders desperately trying not to become the first side to be relegated after having been given a 17-point start by three other clubs.

It is still almost inconceivable to think that the relegation places won't be filled by two out of Luton, Bournemouth and Rotherham, but the way the season has started, the race to avoid the drop out of the league could be more exciting than many of us thought.

Lincoln City, Morecambe and Grimsby Town fans will have an anxious eye on the performances of those below them and other teams are bound to be dragged into the battle as well.

It promises to be a tough season for many and, with only 1,500 at Macclesfield and Morecambe and 1,300 at Chester City, for example, it may be that those at the bottom will sadly be joined by others in financial strife.