Something For The Weekend: Vanarama National League

By Steven Coney

Saturday could be a historic weekend in the Vanarama National League with Macclesfield Town on the verge of securing promotion.

Every game at this stage of the season has plenty riding on it so it’s difficult to pick out just three fixtures to focus on.

But we’ve done our best. Points have never been so crucial - here are a trio of games this weekend that will get the juices flowing.

Eastleigh v Macclesfield Town

Tranmere Rovers have made them wait but Macclesfield could secure the National League title this weekend.

The Spitfires will be looking to spoil the party for the Silkmen and only have personal pride to play for. They have lost three in a row following a late draw with Wrexham and Andy Hessenthaler will be demanding more from his side. Will they have enough to deny Macclesfield?

John Askey’s men know only a win would secure them the title at the Silverlake Stadium. They could still be champions on Saturday night if Tranmere drop points at FC Halifax Town but the Silkmen will want to finish the job themselves and what better place to do it than live on BT Sport?

Ebbsfleet United v Sutton United

A crucial game for both sides hoping to be in the play-off mix at the end of the season.

Fleet climbed into the top seven thanks to their 1-0 win at Eastleigh on Tuesday and they are hitting top form at just the right time. They’ve won three in a row, keeping clean sheets in all three of them, and will be confident going into Saturday’s game. They know any slip-up could see rivals Dover or Wrexham overtake them.

Sutton have struggled since falling out of the National League title race. Tuesday night’s defeat at Maidenhead United was their fourth in five matches. There’s no doubting the quality in Sutton’s squad but now is the time to get some confidence back before the play-offs. They have two difficult games left before then - can the U’s turn things around?

Guiseley v Woking

A massive game at the other end of the table, a lot is riding on this one for the away side.

Guiseley’s home defeat to Barrow on Tuesday confirmed the club’s relegation after a tough season on the pitch. The Lions have been slightly better under Sean St Ledger and will hope to finish the campaign strongly. Their target will be to make sure they don’t finish bottom of the table and they could really make life difficult for Woking on Saturday.

The Cards know they have to win - it’s that simple. A run of 12 games without a win - nine of them defeats - have seen Woking slide down the table and they are now in the bottom four after Barrow’s midweek success. A win could take the Cards back above Barrow into 20th but a defeat - and any positive result for the Bluebirds - would practically condemn Woking to the drop.


National League Fixtures - Saturday, April 21st

AFC Fylde v Solihull Moors
Aldershot Town v Barrow
Bromley v Boreham Wood
Chester v Maidstone United
Dagenham & Redbridge v Maidenhead United
Dover Athletic v Gateshead
Eastleigh v Macclesfield Town (12.30, live on BT Sport)
Ebbsfleet United v Sutton United
FC Halifax Town v Tranmere Rovers
Guiseley v Woking
Hartlepool United v Torquay United
Leyton Orient v Wrexham


For more news, reaction and action from across the National League, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Where next?

Rebels Boss Tom Always Knew His Side Would Survive FC United player-manager Tom Greaves is proud of the way his players won their battle against relegation.
Burman: Better Late Than Never For In-Form Dartford Dartford boss Tony Burman says his side got the job done with a 1-0 win at East Thurrock United.

Match centre

Vanarama National League North
Vanarama National League South

Latest photos

Banbury United 0 South Shields 3
46 photos
Curzon Ashton 4 Banbury United 1
82 photos
Curzon Ashton 4 Banbury United 1
44 photos