Unibet's Vanarama National League Matchday 2 Preview

By Sam Elliott

The second instalment of the National League is nearly here - and all the signs are that it’s going to be a helter-skelter of a season.

Day one had late drama, midfielders in goal, super strikes and classic turn-arounds.

So what have we got to look forward to on Saturday? We’ve picked out three of the games to keep your eye on.

All your odds across the Vanarama National League are available at Unibet. 18+ begambleaware.org

Boreham Wood vs Notts County

We’ve seen over the recent seasons that strong stars count for precious little, but both these clubs will be pleased with their first days’ work.

Especially Boreham Wood, who won with nine men at Southend United - fuelling hopes they will be more of a promotion force this season.

Notts lost players during the summer but those filling the gaps that appeared have given fans real confidence.

No one more so than Macauley Langstaff, whose two goals against Maidenhead United during their simple 3-0 last weekend was described by some supporters as the best debut in years.

One to watch: Macauley Langstaff (Notts County)
Unibet enhanced odds: Both teams to score - total goals over 2.5

Yeovil Town vs Wrexham

There were a number of stand-out individual performances on the opening weekend of the season.

But few caused a racket quite like Elliot Lee.

The Wrexham forward marked his debut with two glorious strikes - his impact was so powerful fans are licking their lips at the possible goal return with him, Ollie Palmer and Paul Mullin among others to call upon.

But early on is where the club let themselves down last term, always chasing their tail after important dropped points in August and September.

A tricky trip to Yeovil Town comes next and Chris Hargreaves knows that if the Glovers lose focus like they did at time at Scunthorpe, then they could be eaten alive.

But he maintains his team are capable of showing what they are all about against the title favourites and has told fans they will do everything they can to match the Dragons blow-for-blow at Huish Park.

One to watch: Elliot Lee (Wrexham)
Unibet enhanced odd: Game to end as a draw

Solihull Moors vs Southend United

Neal Ardley knows it means nothing so early on, but it’s always nice to sit top of the table.

Any question marks regarding the mental impact Solihull Moors losing the National League Promotion Final would have were certainly answered at Aldershot Town.

Four goals and never once in any danger, the side nobody was really speaking about until it got serious last season won’t be able to stay under the radar this time.

Keeping hold of most of their impressive squad this summer, Ardley has added to it and they fired an opening day warning.

Southend United are many tipsters’ main surprise package candidates this time around.

But after Boreham Wood somehow survived two red cards to win at Roots Hall, there remains more questions than answers.

Southend manager Kevin Maher “didn’t like” his team in the first half - and hated seeing new signing Jake Hyde limp off injured.

How much can we read into the first set of results? Well, we’re about to find out.

Part two of the National League season is nearly here - and things are already starting to get interesting!

One to watch: Joe Sbarra (Solihull Moors)
Unibet enhanced odds: Both teams to score

Click here for all Saturday’s National League fixtures

Where next?

The National League Backs 'Love Football. Protect The Game.' Campaign Every football fan should feel safe when watching their team. But last season we saw a minority of supporters ruining the game for others.
Unibet's National League North And South Preview Exactly how much can we read into a strong opening day showing? Well, we’re about to find out!

Match centre

Vanarama National League North
Vanarama National League South

Latest photos