Saturday Preview: National League North

By Tom Feaheny

The Vanarama National League North action takes place this Saturday with some important games taking place at both ends of the table.

Bradford Park Avenue and Salford City will face each other in an early kick-off that will start at 1:30 due to storm Brian causing damage to Avenue's floodlights, City could go top of the league with a victory as they look to build on their win against York City, Avenue gained a credible draw in mid-week against the table toppers Harrogate Town, writes Tom Feaheny.

Speaking of Harrogate Town it is a battle of former manager and assistant taking on each other as John McDermott's Alfreton Town host the side, Harrogate have drawn their last two matches while Alfreton got back to winning ways the last time around and are three points off the play-off places.

Kevin Davies so nearly got his first win in his first match at Southport but they conceded late to draw against Gainsborough Trinity, that though still ended their losing run, they travel to AFC Telford United who lost during mid-week to the same opponents.

There is a North-East derby taking place as Blyth Spartans who remain third in the league despite losing late time round hosting Tommy Wright's Darlington who have him in charge for the first time, Darlo got back to winning ways last weekend and know another victory could move them into the top seven places.

Boston United fell into the relegation zone after losing last weekend, their opponents Brackley Town gained an important victory against Blyth in their last game with Kevin Wilkin pleased they got a result after good performances in recent games.

It is the battle of two managerless sides in FC United of Manchester who have Tom Greaves in caretaker charge for the first time go up against Nuneaton Town who have Jon Ashton in the dugout for a second game.

Two in form sides in Gainsborough Trinity and Curzon Ashton face each other as they aim to continue their good runs Trinity are six unbeaten in all competitions while The Nash have won back to back games and are in the play-offs.

Leamington have gained five points in their last three games against sides who are aiming for promotion so it is certainly a run Paul Holleran has been pleased with their results in recent weeks. North Ferriby United need results and quickly if they are to get off the bottom of the table, they lost last weekend against AFC Telford United.

Spennymoor Town remains in the play-off places and got a late away point last weekend, they are hosting Chorley who have combined their FA Cup run with impressive league form as well, the Magpies are in the play-off places thanks to their good run of results and have a game in hand on some sides around them.

Stockport County and Kidderminster Harriers face each other with County looking to get back to winning ways at home after they lost for the first time there against Blyth, while Kidderminster know a win would move them closer to the play-off places.

York City's new boss Martin Gray has seen his side lose one, draw one and win one in his opening three games, he knows how important, Tamworth on the other hand have lost their last four matches in all competitions.

Bradford Park Avenue V Salford City
AFC Telford United V Southport
Alfreton Town V Harrogate Town
Blyth Spartans V Darlington
Boston United V Brackley Town
FC United of Manchester V Nuneaton Town
Gainsborough Trinity V Curzon Ashton
Leamington V North Ferriby United
Spennymoor Town V Chorley
Stockport County V Kidderminster Harriers
York City V Tamworth

Where next?

Saturday Preview: Vanarama National League Matchday 18 in the Vanarama National League is almost here, let's take a look at what's in store this week...
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Vanarama National League North
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