National Preview: Who'll See October Off With A Bang?

By Sam Elliott

The season is really starting to take shape and with the clocks going back this weekend, some are already having to make up for lost time.

We’re moving onto matchweek 16 already but for which clubs will it be sweet - and who’ll be left with a bitter taste?

The darker days always signal things are starting to get serious, but it feels like it’s been that way for some time at the summit.

Forest Green Rovers now lead the way after so very nearly taking top spot a week ago.

That’s because Barnet are having a bit of a wobble, and Steve Cotterill’s team are really starting to look the part.

The new leaders are looking for their fifth consecutive victory on Saturday when they head to a Woking side now without a win in seven.

The Bees won’t be panicking and Dean Brennan is well away they’re improving year-on-year but a home win against Rochdale will go down well. It's third vs fourth at the Hive.

York City consigned them to defeat on Tuesday night and that 3-1 victory was one of rhetorical best in their new home.

Can the Minstemen back it up with a Yorkshire derby win at FC Halifax Town.

There’s another big game down the bottom and Wealdstone manager Matty Taylor called on a psychologist to help secure their first win since August.

He refuses to downplay the significance of the trip to bottom side Ebbsfleet United, who have lost five from six after a tough run of fixtures.

Braintree Town are back in the bottom four but an opportunity presents itself at home to Sutton United, who have nothing to show for their last three matches.

Boston United have a zero-point return from a possible 15 and make the long trip to Eastleigh, who are strong at home.

So are Gateshead. They have won all but one of their International Stadium games but Solihull Moors arrive with nine points from a possible nine.

A first win for AFC Fylde was celebrated in Lincolnshire on Wednesday - the Coasters welcome Altrincham, who drew with Hartlepool United on the same night.

Oldham Athletic recorded their first draw since early September in midweek so will know the importance of getting another win again Dagenham & Redbridge, who have scored 26 goals already.

Southend United may not want to end their run of away matches. They claims seven points from three games on the road and have been dreadful at Roots Hall. Can they put that right against Tamworth, pictured.

Elsewhere Hartlepool United host Aldershot Town while Yeovil Town know a win against Maidenhead United could hoist them into the play-off places.

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

Where next?

What Happened On Saturday Across The National League No fewer than 109 goals hit the net on a freescoring National League afternoon.
National League South: Complete Weekend Preview Farnborough like the view and are sitting pretty at the top of the National League South but the chasing pack are determined to make life uncomfortable for them.