What’s On Offer In The National League And FA Trophy

By Steven Coney

It could prove to be a pivotal night of football this evening as the National League returns - whilst the FA Trophy also provides three big fixtures.

By close of play on Tuesday, a lot of questions will be answered in the National League title race and three clubs will be looking forward to an FA Trophy semi-final.

Current leaders Macclesfield Town head to Kent knowing they could extend their lead at the top to eight points if they beat Maidstone and other results go their way.

Maidstone United’s poor League run - they haven’t won since November 11 - has been well documented but they gave Tranmere Rovers a scare last Saturday.

Macc could see their lead cut to just two points, however, if they slip up at the Gallagher Stadium and Sutton United win at home against Woking.

The U’s continue to defy the odds and keep up with the big names at the top - they are unbeaten in eight National League games.

They welcome a Woking side coming off a goalless draw against in-form Boreham Wood, one that will have given them confidence. And they will need all of it if they are to leave Gander Green Lane with a positive result.

If Sutton are caught out by the Cards, Aldershot Town could climb back up to second in the table if they beat Hartlepool United.

The Shots need to turn their patchy home form around if they are serious about lifting the title come the end of April.

Their visitors’ struggles have been well publicised but perhaps one big win could help galvanise the whole club. And what better time to start than tonight?

The last remaining National League game comes at Chester as they host Dover Athletic.

The Blues could move to within three points of safety with a victory but they know that Dover will be visiting full of confidence.

Chris Kinnear’s men picked up a big 1-0 win against Leyton Orient on Saturday and a big win in Cheshire could possibly see them jump up to fourth.

There is also plenty of drama to look forward to in the FA Trophy with Brackley Town taking on Stockport County in an all-National League North quarter-final.

The Saints are unbeaten at home in the League and Stockport don’t travel particularly well but Cup football is a different beast entirely.

Gateshead are also in action as they look to take advantage of their second chance against Leyton Orient at the International Stadium.

The Heed pulled off a miraculous comeback in the original tie at Brisbane Road, fighting back from 3-0 down to force a replay.

It’s not been a particularly memorable season for Orient but a trip to Wembley would certainly get O's fans excited again.

The third quarter-final replay sees Bromley make the long trip up to Spennymoor Town.

Spennymoor have won over half of their National League North home games and are looking good for a play-off place.

Bromley are also fighting to get into the play-offs- in the National League - and will be fully aware of the big task facing them this evening.

We’ve also got a game apiece in the National League North and South divisions.

Salford City could return to the top of the North table if they can overcome struggling Tamworth.

The Ammies are behind Harrogate Town on goal difference but will be confident of at least temporarily returning to the summit.

Tamworth, meanwhile haven’t won in seven games and are in free-fall. They’re now just three points above the relegation zone and looking over their shoulders. A win tonight would be massive.

It’s all about the play-offs in the National League South as East Thurrock United travel to Hemel Hempstead Town.

Hemel could possibly move up to fourth win a home victory although they haven’t won in four matches.

East Thurrock’s outside play-off chances would be given a huge boost with victory at Vauxhall Road and the Rocks are coming off three straight draws.


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