A Gripping National League Night Under The Lights Awaits

By Sam Elliott

Storm Bert has calmed and the rain and freezing temperatures have gone for now - things are looking pretty perfect for a big National League night.

We’ve got eight matches this evening with three more in front of us on Wednesday, so where will the points be won and lost?

With Forest Green Rovers and Barnet in action tomorrow, opportunity knocks for leaders York City to steal a march.

But they go to Altrincham, who are nobody’s fool on home turf. Phil Parkinson’s side have only lost once in front of their fans and they remember last season.

The table toppers want to show the world just how much things have changed. Back in March, Alty delivered one of their greatest performances of recent years in a stunning 6-1 victory and Moss Lane could witness another breathless contest.

After weekend weather woes, Oldham Athletic now have a game in hand over those at the top and they’re expecting to win at home to Boston United, despite a flying start for new Pilgrims manager Graham Coughlan on Saturday.

They beat Braintree Town, who have already shown one poor result won’t rock their season. But Maidenhead United really need to get going after four straight defeats and with their 5-0 home loss to Gateshead ringing in their ears.

The Heed capped a great few days after their stadium news and if they win at home to Rochdale they’ll fancy taking the EFL place they can now compete for.

Hartlepool United showed their season is far from done after scoring four at Sutton United-bound Solihull Moors. The Pools welcome AFC Fylde, who have followed their last three defeats with wins.

Dagenham & Redbridge have a big FA Cup date at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday night, but their league form is patchy. They won’t want to go to Plough Lane winless in six, and Aldershot Town travel on a high following a James Henry-inspired victory against Altrincham.

Woking and Southend United’s season promised plenty but they’re both too close to the bottom four for comfort.

The two teams meet in Surrey having not won enough lately and eyeing the start of a climb.

National League fixtures:
Altrincham v York City
Braintree Town v Maidenhead United
Dagenham & Redbridge v Aldershot
Gateshead v Rochdale
Hartlepool United v AFC Fylde
Oldham Athletic v Boston United
Sutton United v Solihull Moors
Woking v Southend United

Where next?

A Chaotic Tuesday Sees Three New Leaders Take Over Forest Green Rovers went top of the National League on a Tuesday night that had it all - and they did it without even kicking a ball.
Everything That's Going On Later In The North & South There are important games everywhere you look as the National League North and South comes to life under the lights tonight.