Something For The Weekend: National League South

By Sam Elliott

Everyone’s back in action on Saturday in the Vanarama National League South, so let the swords be drawn!

Following the reduced programme last weekend with many clubs on FA Trophy duty, we’re back to full strength as the action returns.

As always, we have picked our top three games as we preview the best the division has to offer.

With the final three months of the season fast approaching, every point is previous.

The battle at the top of the league is currently being led by Dartford, but it’s still very tight - and this weekend the leaders have a challenging away trip to Chippenham.

Here’s what we make of Saturday’s games.

Hampton & RB v Hungerford

Meet the two in-form teams in the National League South. Scrap that, say hello to the most in-form team in senior English football!

After Manchester City’s defeat at Anfield, Hampton stand alone - they haven’t lost since August and are just two points off the top.

That run comes under threat from a side who are putting wins together. Hungerford are firing themselves clear of trouble thanks to four victories in their last six in the league.

Chippenham v Dartford

There’s nothing quite like a match with two things riding on it. We’ll be seeing that in Wiltshire this weekend.

Dartford, the leaders, aren’t as conclusive away from home as they are at Princes Park. Just one win in five weeks on their travels means they need a little sharpening up on the road.

Chippenham will know the Darts lost at Hungerford and drew at Concord in recent weeks, but their focus should be on themselves - Mark Colliers’ side are only two places above the drop zone.

Bognor v Wealdstone

Both these clubs know the talking needs to stop if they are to achieve their goals.

Wealdstone are way behind in the race for the play-offs. They haven’t won since victory over Braintree Town at the start of December. It’s not inspired the Stones as much as they wanted it to.

The Rocks have a five-point gap to make up if they are to remain in the National League South. They haven’t won a league game since November and that has to change sooner rather than later.

National League South fixture list:

Bath City v Concord Rangers
Bognor Regis v Wealdstone
Braintree T v Hemel Hempstead
Chippenham v Dartford
East Thurrock v Oxford City
Eastbourne v St Albans City
Hampton & RB v Hungerford
Havant & W v Gloucester City
Poole Town v Welling United
Weston v Chelmsford City
Whitehawk v Truro City

Where next?

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Vanarama National League North
Vanarama National League South

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