Saturday's Big Preview: The National League North

By Tom Scott

The National League North couldn't be any better poised as we dive into another action-packed weekend.

Mark Yates' return to Kidderminster Harriers has been a decade in the making.

But he's been handed a tough test for his first game at the helm - Chester are in town with both sides desperate to reignite their respective promotion challenges.

Brackley Town showed their quality last week by beating National League Chesterfield in the FA Trophy.

They will need a similar performance no doubt to overcome fellow play-off candidates AFC Telford United.

Two defeats in a row for Southport as their incredible run came to an end. They face a tough test against leaders Chorley.

One team hoping for a favour from Liam Watson's men will be Stockport County. The Hatters can go within a point of the top if they manage to topple Guiseley.

At the other end, FC United of Manchester desperately need points to survive. They're six points adrift as they prepare to host Altrincham.

Nuneaton Borough need a huge turnaround in fortunes if they are to survive. Can they upset promotion-chasing Boston United at Liberty Way this weekend?

Curzon Ashton may be an outside bet for the play-offs if they continue their fine form under Mark Bradshaw.

Alfreton are in town looking for only their second win since Boxing Day.

Steve Watson described York City's midweek capitulation as 'mind-boggling'. He will be hoping his harsh words will have the desired effect against Ashton United.

Marc Richards wants his Hereford side to 'focus on the job in hand' against Leamington.

Darlington will be looking over their shoulder as they head to Blyth Spartans. Only a win will do for Tommy Wright's men but the Quakers don't tend to travel well.

Saturday's National League North fixtures:
Blyth Spartans v Darlington
Brackley Town v AFC Telford United
Curzon Ashton v Alfreton Town
FC United of Manchester v Altrincham
Guiseley v Stockport County
Kidderminster Harriers v Chester
Leamington v Hereford
Nuneaton Borough v Boston United
Southport v Chorley
Spennymoor Town P-P Bradford (Park Avenue)
York City v Ashton United

Where next?

Your Weekend Starts Here! So What’s In Store On Saturday? The snow’s cleared, the ice has thawed and the temperature is rising in the National League.
Saturday's Big Preview: The National League South It's wide open at both ends of the National League South as we head into February!

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Vanarama National League South

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