The Action Returns In Some Style But It's Same Old Spireites

By Sam Elliott

The National League was back with some bangers as the day's action was lit up by some brilliant goals.

After a break in play for most in recent weeks, Chesterfield returned in no mood to change the outlook. Their advantage remains eight points and they still have two games in hand after striking early at Hartlepool United.

A fifth-minute Armando Dobra goal in front of their 1,000 travelling fans was enough but Bromley don’t plan on letting them scamper off into the distance.

They resisted a late Southend United surge to leave Roots Hall with a valuable 2-1 win. Michael Cheek again and Corey Whitely were on target but Barnet couldn’t get the win they needed - a Ben Coker own goal handed Ebbsfleet United a point.

Aldershot Town didn’t have the legs after Wednesday’s wonderful FA Cup win at Stockport County.

Eastleigh eased to Hampshire derby success - Paul McCallum hit his 17th of the season before Bailey Clements and a Chris Maguire goal made it safe before half time. McCallum got another with Scott Quigley making it five but a Shots rally, including a Josh Stokes double, made it 5-3.

Millenic Alli’s wonder goal secured a live TNT Sports victory for FC Halifax Town at Gateshead who are now unbeaten in 23 matches between the sides.

The Shaymen were already in front following Kane Thompson-Sommers’ equally impressive 35th minute strike at the International Stadium and it moved them level on points with the play-off spots for a few hours at least.

Boreham Wood earned some breathing room down the bottom. Tom Whelan and Tyrone Marsh scored the goals against strugglers Oxford City. It wasn’t a good day for the teams down the bottom - Casey Pettit’s winner hurt Kidderminster Harriers at Maidenhead.

While two-goal Chris Conn-Clarke was the Altrincham hero as AFC Fylde remain bottom after surrendering their lead.

Oldham Athletic got their play-off charge up and running. A debut Josh Stones goal was followed up by a Nathan Sheron brace as the Latics left Solihull Moors 3-2 winners.

Wealdstone are winless away no more - Sean Adarkwa and Tarryn Allarakhia late on sealed a very pleasing 2-0 success at Dagenham for manager Stuart Maynard.

Woking’s new manager - whoever he may be - will at least take over a team with a smile back on their faces. New boy Paul Osew’s winner at Dorking Wanderers claimed victory in the all-Surrey meeting, ending their miserable run. Rochdale and York City both fired blanks.

Tamworth sent out a message to the National League North table toppers after sending Southport packing.

Manager of the Month Jim Bentley is licking his wounds after a simple 4-0 victory for the title hunting Lambs. But Scunthorpe United were excellent as they sunk Chorley - Danny Whitehall’s two goals came either side of another Connor Smith effort.

South Shields rough few weeks continues. Peterborough Sports left with all the points, first half efforts from Deon Sembie-Ferris and Hayden Cann did the damage in the North East.

Alfreton were too strong for Blyth Spartans, Jordan Thewlis on target in the 3-0 win while player-manager Craig Mahon scored for Curzon Ashton as they won a big play-off battle with Brackley Town.

Hereford are fourth with Yusifu Ceesay the difference at Bishop’s Stortford. Darlington won the huge game down the bottom, leaving Gloucester City with three points thanks to Jonny Ngandu.

Buxton left it late to add to Spennymoor’s woes and it was a day to remember for Aidan Rutledge - his hat-trick earned Scarborough Athletic a 3-1 win over Rushall Olympic.

The big game at the top of the National League South failed to catch fire.

Leaders Yeovil Town and Hampton could only draw 0-0 and it is the leaders’ south west foes Torquay United now up to second - they turned their game with Hemel Hempstead on its head to win 3-2, Dean Moxey late on earning all three points.

Worthing rolled over Maidstone United 5-1. Ollie Pearce fired in another brilliant hat-trick with Danny Cashman and Jake Robinson also hitting the target with the hosts in cruise control at the break.

It was over at half-time at Tonbridge Angels too - Dartford we’re run ragged by Jay Saunders’ side, Jordan Greenidge the chief tormentor in their 4-0 victory.

Truro City hit in-form Weston where it hurts, Ryan Law with what turned out to be the decisive goal. Ryan Blackman was the St Albans hero as ten man Chelmsford City paid the price at Clarence Park.

Dover’s new management team picked up a decent point at home to promotion chasers Bath City and Havant & Waterlooville are a team transformed since they made a change.

A 3-0 win over Taunton Town made it nine points from nine since Steve King’s exit. Ben Morgan got the Hawks up and running and they didn’t look back.

Braintree Town defeated Essex foes Aveley 1-0 thanks to Tom Blackwell while Callum Kealy made the points safe for Eastbourne Borough in the big game down the bottom at Welling United.

For all Saturday’s scores, click here.

Where next?

Woking Refuse To 'Play It Safe' After Appointing Doyle Woking want new manager Michael Doyle to do for them what he helped kick start at Notts County.
Back With A Bang As National League Football Returns! After a week or two away, the National League is back with a bang - so where did we leave things?

Match Center

Vanarama National League North
Vanarama National League South

Latest photos