National League North: Complete Weekend Preview
You can cut the tension with a knife at the top of the National League North now with just eight days left in an incredible season.
Just one point separates first place and third, meaning any mistake could see things unravel - while of could one magical moment may have serious significance with three games remaining, writes George Busby.
Leaders of the pack Scunthorpe United face two demanding away games in their run in, with the first a trip to play-off hunters Kings Lynn Town, who have been in fine form recently on a four-game unbeaten streak.
But the former Championship side have away day worries, losing their last two on the road.
The chasers know about the leaders' recent travel sickness, but are always well aware they must keep winning themselves.
Kidderminster Harriers manager Phil Brown will be hoping that star man Ashley Hemmings can carry on his red-hot form as they play already-relegated Rushall Olympic.
March’s National League North Player of the Month scored hat-trick last time out, making it 13 goals since the start of last month.
Brackley Town cannot be discounted and host Oxford City, whose safety is already confirmed.
The play-off race is also heating up with the gap just four points from fifth to tenth. A huge clash between Buxton and Chorley is coming on Good Friday and both teams want that all-important play-off spot.
Buxton can leapfrog them with a win, while Chester will confirm their place if they make the short trip home from Southport with three points.
Hereford play mid-table Leamington as they look to get a win for security before their tricky final few fixtures.
Curzon Ashton will be hopeful of bouncing back after their loss to title chasing Kidderminster Harriers at the weekend, they play Alfreton Town.
Spennymoor Town are outsiders, but they still do have a chance. Graeme Lee’s side will likely need three more wins and look for the first of them at home to Scarborough Athletic.
As for the relegation battle, it's all wrapped up with the four teams' fate already sealed.
Radcliffe’s win over Farsley Celtic on Tuesday night means there will be no need for bitten fingernails at the bottom.
Their midweek success ensured their survival - and Needham Market cannot mathematically catch any team above the bottom four. The Marketmen’s stay was a brief one, and they are set to return to the Southern League Premier Central, a league they won a year ago.
National League North fixtures:
Brackley Town v Oxford City
Buxton v Chorley
Curzon Ashton v Alfreton Town
Darlington v South Shields
Hereford v Leamington
Kings Lynn Town v Scunthorpe United
Marine v Warrington Town
Peterborough Sports v Needham Market
Rushall Olympic v Kidderminster Harriers
Southport v Chester
Spennymoor Town v Scarborough Athletic
PHOTO BY STEVE HOPE
Where next?
