Easter Part One: Who Really Needs A Good Friday?

By Sam Elliott

With another amazing season of the National League coming to an end, much is left to be played for.

There's four matches left to go before the sun sets on a brilliant campaign - and some clubs really good a very Good Friday.

What could be decided and who plays who? George Busby brings you the low down on part one of a brilliant weekend.

The title race

We start at the top where Barnet will be looking to extend their lead even further.

The leaders have been exceptional this season and whilst they can't be crowned champions this weekend, they can edge themselves much closer with a win over Eastleigh.

York City can put some pressure on in the early kick-off and confirm at least a second-place finish with a win over Gateshead.

The play-off-race

The play-off sides are safe for this week, with a four-point gap between seventh and eighth place, but the chasing pack can close the gap and make things interesting.

Forest Green Rovers travel to Yeovil Town knowing a win could confirm a home tie in the semi-finals.

Oldham Athletic look to all but cement themselves in the play-off spots as they host Hartlepool United.

Rochdale could stretch the gap between them and close neighbours Altrincham this weekend – but Alty have only won once in their last nine National League games.

FC Halifax Town will be confident of a win this weekend as they play struggling AFC Fylde and defeat would condemn the Coasters to relegation.

The fight for survival

Braintree Town, Solihull Moors and Woking can all assure their safety this weekend with wins.

They face Southend United, Tamworth and Maidenhead United who know defeat and results elsewhere could all but end their stay in the National League.

Dagenham and Redbridge play already relegated Ebbsfleet United in what appears to be a must-win match. Earlier this week head coach Lewis Young called for everyone to come together, and you can read the interview here.

The Daggers’ last-minute equaliser last week earned them a valuable point, and they'll be looking to take that fight into this weekend.

Two strugglers butt heads in Lincolnshire - a win for either Boston or Wealdstone would boost their confidence in survival.

Elsewhere, Sutton United and Aldershot Town meet looking to bounce back from big defeats last time out.

What a very Good Friday we have in store!

National League fixtures:
Gateshead v York City (12.30pm)
AFC Fylde v FC Halifax Town
Aldershot Town v Sutton United
Altrincham v Rochdale
Boston United v Wealdstone
Dagenham & Redbridge v Ebbsfleet United
Gateshead v York City
Maidenhead United v Woking
Oldham Athletic v Hartlepool United
Southend United v Braintree Town
Tamworth v Solihull Moors
Yeovil Town v Forest Green Rovers
Barnet v Eastleigh (5.30pm)

Where next?

What Happened On Good Friday Across The National League The title chase is very much on - but the relegation race is run for another side.
All Good Friday's National League Permutations Take a breath and sit back as we try and make sense of all the permutations ahead of Good Friday across the National League.

Match centre

Vanarama National League North
Vanarama National League South
National League Cup Group A