The 2017-18 Season Review: Looking Back On February

By Sam Elliott

Pre-season may be well under way and the real stuff back on the horizon but that can't stop us taking a look back at the season month-by-month. .

Here's what happened across the divisions in February

Vanarama National League:

Macclesfield Town were by now beginning to believe. The ended February five points clear of second place Sutton United thanks to four wins from four.

They beat Maidenhead United and Guiseley - but the other two were victories that made everyone sit up and take notice.

A 2-1 win at Aldershot in front of nearly 4,500 was followed up by an incredible 4-1 success at Tranmere Rovers but them in control of their own destiny.

Jamie Fullarton was named FC Halifax Town manager and he won their survival fight before really getting his feet under the desk at the Shay.

But it was the end of the road for two bosses at the wrong end of the table. Paul Cox left Guiseley with relegation very much on the cards.

It wasn’t too late for Hartlepool and they made a change with time ticking by. Craig Harrison made way after a bad run of results and Matthew Bates was promoted with a remit of avoiding back-to-back relegations and inspiring some confidence.


Vanarama National League South:

Another Wealdstone player, Abo Eisa, moved into the full-time ranks by signing for League One Shrewsbury.

There was relief for Eastbourne as they won for the first time in 2018 at home to Hungerford.

The gap at the top of the table was just two points after leaders Dartford were beaten, but second-placed Hampton drop two home points to bottom-markers Whitehawk.

More wet weather causes postponements but Wealdstone make it through to the FA Trophy semi-finals with a 5-2 win over ambitious Bostik League side Billericay Town.

Dartford maintained top spot, but Hampton overtookHavant into second place after a 1-0 win against struggling Bognor and the Hawks` draw at Hemel.

New Gloucester boss Marc Richards won the manager of the month gong, while Havant`s Rory Williams receives the player award.

Vanarama National League North:

Salford started the month with defeat at York City, then gained victory at Alfreton Town and a dramatic point against Bradford Park Avenue.

Harrogate Town meanwhile won all three of their league games, to finish the month top of the table on goal difference with an equal amount of games played, while Brackley Town were seven points off but had a match in hand.

Kidderminster Harriers lost two in a row that was a set-back, though a play-off place still looked very much on for John Eustace’s side.

While a run of three wins in a row propelled Blyth Spartans to fourth in the table, as they looked to keep their place in the play-off places heading into the final two months of the season.

Gainsborough Trinity were defeated 5-0 at Bradford Park Avenue and decided to make a managerial change, Lee Sinnott took charge though they would lose all their matches during this month, as the battle to avoid relegation intensified.

Where next?

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