February Focus: The National League Title Race

By Steven Coney

The Vanarama National League continues to be completely unpredictable - so where on earth is the title heading?

Macclesfield Town have slipped up and allowed their nearest rivals back into the picture.

Aldershot Town are leading the charge but there are at least six teams with a chance of taking top spot. Here we look through the top six's February fixtures and see what clues they could hold.

Macclesfield Town

Guiseley (H)
Aldershot (A)
Tranmere (A)
Maidenhead (H)

Not exactly the run of fixtures John Askey’s side would have wanted when they’re going through a tough spell. They’ll need to win both of their home fixtures because trips to Aldershot and Tranmere will be extremely tough.

Aldershot Town

Dagenham & Redbridge (A)
Macclesfield (H)
Bromley (H)
Wrexham (A)

Things aren’t exactly any easier for Aldershot! Dagenham are going through a barren run but will be fired up for a game live on BT Sport. Macclesfield and Bromley will both give them stern tests and Wrexham are very good at home.

Wrexham

Guiseley (A)
FC Halifax Town (H)
Sutton United (A)
Solihull Moors (A)
Aldershot Town (H)

They can take advantage of their rivals not being in action this Saturday with victory at Guiseley. Again, not an easy set of fixtures but the Dragons are starting to find some form - and score goals!

Sutton United

Dover Athletic (A)
Wrexham (H)
Torquay United (A)
Guiseley (H)

A tough month for the U’s that will have a big say on whether they will be still in title contention as we reach the season’s end. If they can get points from Dover or Wrexham and pick up two wins late in the month, boss Paul Doswell will be very happy.

Tranmere Rovers

Ebbsfleet United (H)
Leyton Orient (A)
Bromley (H)
Macclesfield Town (H)
Maidstone United (A)

Rovers have been very good on home soil and will be hoping to pick up at least seven points from their three fixtures at Prenton Park. Leyton Orient are a tougher proposition than their league position suggests and Maidstone are struggling - it could be a big month for Tranmere.

Dover Athletic

Sutton United (H)
Solihull Moors (A)
Dagenham & Redbridge (H)
AFC Fylde (A)

It’ll be an interesting month for the Whites. They keep picking up important points and their two home games in February will be key. Solihull Moors and AFC Fylde have both been impressive recently so they represent two difficult trips. They could be in a strong position come March.

Photo by Richard Ault


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