Huge Games Aplenty Light Up Another Massive Weekend

By Sam Elliott

An old face returns to the dug-out this weekend as Danny Searle steps in to help Ebbsfleet United, ending a big day with the live TNT Sport match.

The managerless Fleet have asked the former Braintree Town and Aldershot boss to help until they find their new boss - and he could give the club and their fans plenty to think about.

He steps in after the club parted ways with title winner Dennis Kutrieb and it’s a demanding first day in front of the cameras as promotion-hunting Oldham Athletic visit.

But despite having an incredible wealth of attacking talent, the Latics showed last time out they can be unpicked by a struggler. Woking got one over them a week ago and Micky Mellon, 51, has demanded a reaction.

But the hosts have great memories of games with Oldham. Ebbsfleet ended a run of eight National League games without a win in emphatic fashion as they thumped them 4-1 at Boundary Park in November in one of the shock results of the season.

There’s a big north west London derby to look forward to as well - and goals are expected!

Rivals Barnet and Weladstone meet and with the Bees only behind leaders Chesterfield in term of goals scored - and the Stones drawing 3-3 with Aldershot in midweek - it could be another thriller.

The table toppers will have to start pulling up and soon if they’re to be stopped.

A 16-point lead with two games in hand illustrates to everyone the size of the task facing the rest and they’ll take another step towards the EFL if they can get the better of Eastleigh, who have already let in four goals on three occasions in 2024.

Bromley have gone off the boil in recent weeks and Andy Woodman says it’s time to get back on track as they welcome Kevin Phillips and Hartlepool United.

There’s a huge game down the bottom as a Phil Brown-powered Kidderminster Harriers look to make it four wins in a row against relegation rivals Oxford City. The Aggborough boss says they mustn’t take the eye off the ball after a great few weeks.

It’s not the only collision between sides at the wrong end. Dorking Wanderers, who have now won three from five, know the form of others below them had added to the pressure - they’re at home to AFC Fylde, who are one of the teams to throw themselves a lifeline.

Woking and Boreham Wood will both be bothered by what’s going on below them and there’s three vital points up for grabs at the Laithwaite’s this weekend. York City, just above the drop zone, face Maidenhead United - not safe themselves.

Solihull Moors begin life without Josh Kelly with an important match against play-off foes Altrincham as Rochdale host Dagenham & Redbridge looking for a top seven return.

Aldershot Town clung onto their stars on deadline day and they’re looking to take another step on the road to promotion against FC Halifax Town. Gateshead are getting themselves back on track and travel to Southend United.

Where next?

All The Goals From Another Action Packed Afternoon Chesterfield are now 19 points clear at the top of the National League as some big results were earned down the bottom.
FA Cup Boost For Maidstone As Fifth Round TV Picks Made Maidstone United are set for a boost after their FA Cup fifth round tie was selected for TV coverage.

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