Something For The Weekend: Vanarama National League

The FA Trophy means we don’t have a full quota but the remaining nine fixtures will have big consequences for both ends of the table.

Which three fixtures should you really be keeping your eye on this Saturday? That’s where we come in…

AFC Fylde v Dover Athletic

The play-off places look like they won’t be decided until the very end of the season but a win in this one would give either side a big boost.

Fylde’s promotion charge has taken a couple of blows this week with back-to-back 1-0 defeats against Leyton Orient and then at Guiseley. They’re still in a good position and just two points off the top seven and surely it’s only a matter of time before the League’s top scorers start finding the back of the net again?

Dover responded to Saturday’s defeat at Solihull Moors in the perfect way by beating Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday night. The Whites haven’t quite hit top gear yet and will be hoping to push on now and secure their spot in the top seven.

Maidstone United v Tranmere Rovers

A really interesting fixture as a team that can’t buy a win welcomes a side looking for a big reaction.

Maidstone’s last League victory came on November 11th against Torquay United and they’ve lost six of their last ten League fixtures. That poor run has seen them slide down the table and they’re now looking over their shoulders. Jay Saunders has quality in his side and surely that first win will get the Stones believing again.

Tuesday night was certainly one to forget for Tranmere! They were beaten 4-1 by Macclesfield Town at Prenton Park, ending their nine-game winning run on home soil. They bounced back well from the disappointing result at AFC Fylde on New Year’s Day and they’ll need to do the same again if they want to get back in the title hunt.

Wrexham v Aldershot Town

The game of the weekend as fifth and third do battle at the Racecourse, both desperate for three big points.

The Dragons’ amount of draws recently has been well documented. Yes, they’re 11 games unbeaten but eight of those matches have ended in draws for Dean Keates’ side and they’re now six points adrift of leaders Macclesfield. Their home form has been very good and they’ll need to make use of that against one of the best away sides in the division.

Aldershot dropped points themselves on Tuesday but Manny Oyeleke’s 92nd-minute equaliser against Bromley must have felt a bit like a win. The Shots have won four straight on the road - including difficult trips to Dover, Leyton Orient and Dagenham & Redbridge - so will be full of confidence heading to north Wales.

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National League Fixtures - Saturday, February 24th

AFC Fylde v Dover Athletic
Dagenham & Redbridge v Chester
Eastleigh v FC Halifax Town
Hartlepool United v Ebbsfleet United
Macclesfield Town v Maidenhead United
Maidstone United v Tranmere Rovers
Sutton United v Guiseley
Woking v Boreham Wood
Wrexham v Aldershot Town

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