Back With A Bang! North And South Sides Make Return

By Sam Elliott

So where were we? It’s fair to say the National League North and South have been put on the backburner these last few weeks.

Two rounds of FA Cup action have diverted attention - but there’s no getting away from it, the teams are back with a bang this weekend!

Talk about leaving everyone in suspense. Just goal difference separates the top three in the National League North so how will the table look come 5pm on Saturday night?

Tamworth hold top spot but the situation is so intense that even a win may not be able to keep the Lambs living their best life in first place.

They’re at home to Darlington, while second place South Shields welcome Hereford. In third spot and three goals behind are Spennymoor - they’re also in front of their fans and face Rushall Olympic.

Scunthorpe United supporters have had a much better week - could it end with them reclaiming first place? Well much must go their way, but a home game with Brackley Town comes with FA Cup revenge on the menu.

It’s even mathematically possible for sixth-place Alfreton to leapfrog them all, they host Warrington Town, as Boston United go to managerless Curzon Ashton. After Adam Lakeland left The Nash to join King’s Lynn Town, he’ll be keen for a fast start and the strugglers host Buxton, who thrashed Scunthorpe last time out.

The picture is a little clearer in the National League South on Saturday, at least.

After hitting top spot last weekend, Taunton Town will hold firm if they return from Dover Athletic with three points in their back pocket.

Bath City are ready to pounce as the west country clubs continue to dominate - they also face a long trip, they’re at Braintree who don’t forget hit Worthing for four last month at Cressing Road.

Yeovil Town are chasing a sixth win in a row in all competitions and Aveley head to Huish Park for a big third vs fourth collision. Meanwhile it’s sixth vs seventh at Plainmoor as Torquay United face Maidstone United with both looking for an instant National League return.

Chippenham Town are eyeing a top seven place, they host Dartford, while Worthing want to keeps theirs - the Rebels take on Truro City as early-season strugglers Havant & Waterlooville and Hampton & RB cross swords.

For all the weekend fixtures, click here.

PHOTO BY TIM HOFF

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