There Is Another Sizzling Saturday Offering Ahead

By Sam Elliott

So when does a good start become a very good one - or a worrying first few games suddenly become a bit of a problem?

Matchday four across the National League divisions is sure to bring a mixture of emotions, so what’s ahead of us on Saturday afternoon?

It all starts at 12.30pm with a live TNT Sports game. Chesterfield are the only team in the top division to win all their matches and it’s sure to be a belter as fellow promotion hunters Oldham Athletic pay a visit.

There’s plenty of other tasty games on offer this weekend as strong starters Southend United and Hartlepool United meet having both claimed six points from a possible nine.

Solihull Moors have seven, but take on a Dorking Wanderers team on a high after beating Kevin Maher’s side on Tuesday night. Oxford City have found life tough already, they are at FC Halifax who won at Oldham in midweek.

Ebbsfleet United and Gateshead both enjoyed their Tuesday night football fix and they clash at the International Stadium. Barnet have had a strong start but have a point to prove after throwing away two at Eastleigh. They’re at home to Woking.

Aldershot Town play York City, Altrincham hope their extra day’s rest can be a benefit against Boreham Wood while Wealdstone are unbeaten - they welcome AFC Fylde.

Maidenhead vs Dagenham usually produces goals while Rochdale need a win against Eastleigh. Bromley have one point for a possible nine but can start moving if they win at Kidderminster Harriers.

Two perfect National League South records will be put to the test this weekend.

Weston-super-Mare manager Scott Bartlett says he’s reading nothing into Slough Town’s poor start and challenged his players to pick up a 12th point in four games when the sides meet.

Worthing lead the way but they have a tough game against Aveley, who have two wins from three matches so far. Chelmsford City are eying top spot if they both slip up and face a Havant & Waterlooville who have endured a terrible start.

Yeovil Town and Maidstone United both came down and want to go straight back up, they meet at Huish Park. Torquay United travel to St Albans City, who have six points on the board already. Hemel Hempstead Town want to get back to winning ways against Weymouth, as Farnborough go to Dartford.

No team remains flawless in the National League North but Darlington manager Alun Armstrong already thinks the title will go to Scunthorpe United.

The Iron are at to Rushall Olympic, while his pointless Quakers face a real test against in-form Brackley Town needing a result.

Hereford and Blyth Spartans have started superbly - they meet at Edgar Street on Saturday looking to up the heat at the top. Andy Peaks’ Tamworth are proud of what they’ve done so far and play host to Alfreton, who also have six points to show for their efforts.

Southport start life without manager Liam Watson with a tough home game against Boston United, while Gloucester City’s quest for a first win takes them to King’s Lynn Town, who are also without a victory yet.

Chester are at Banbury United, Curzon Ashton make the trip to winless Buxton while Spennymoor chase a third victory already when they challenge Peterborough Sports.

For all the fixtures, click here.

PHOTO: DAVID HOLMES

Where next?

Giants Collide As TNT Sports All Set For Live Showdown David Unsworth says Chesterfield are already the team to beat but is planning to pull the rug from under them again this weekend.
Soaring Seagulls' Start No Surprise To Boss Bartlett Weston-super-Mare manager Scott Bartlett says his team’s blistering start to the new Vanarama National League South season has been years in the making.

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