The NLP’s Picks for the Weekend!

Alex Narey, editor

Two months ago Aldershot Town were looking over their shoulder towards the clutches of the National League drop zone. But now, Gary Waddock’s side are edging their way up the table and on their day possess the players to see off most sides, even on the road.
Admittedly, the Shots’ record away from the confines of the EBB Stadium is far from desirable, with only one win this term (2-1 at Eastleigh last month). But they have shown greater resolve of late and could spring a surprise at big-spending Salford.
The Ammies looked unstoppable towards the end of September but October was a month when a few cracks were exposed with Braintree and Ebbsfleet taking points from their visits to the Peninsula Stadium.
An entertaining point for the visitors? Whatever happens expect goals – free-flowing football will be the order of the day.
 

Jon Couch, news editor

Two crunch home games back-to-back with crucial league points and FA Cup progression at stake. It’s quite a week ahead for Slough Town!
First, the Rebels are tasked with derailing the Woking promotion charge tomorrow before they welcome National League side Sutton United to Arbour Park on Tuesday night in an FA Cup first round replay.
Sitting in mid-table and three points off the National League South play-off places, Slough are enjoying another fine season under management duo Jon Underwood and Neil Baker following their promotion from the Southern Premier last term.
But standing in their way is a Woking side level on points with Billericay Town at the top of the table and aiming to bounce back to the top-flight at the first time of asking under new boss Alan Dowson.
Their dramatic 4-3 win at Gloucester City on Tuesday night has lifted spirits at Kingfield after a sticky patch by their standards and Slough will need to stay fully-focused on the initial task at hand if they are to stop the Cards in their tracks.
 

Matt Badcock, chief writer

A flu bug sweeping through the camp hardly ever comes at a good time but for Kettering Town boss Marcus Law this really wasn’t the week for it to happen.
The former Barwell and Tamworth manager says he hasn’t known anything like it with even staff at the Southern League Premier Central outfit in their sick beds.
Law’s men have been in sensational form this season and lead the way at the top of the table.
This weekend they face a big test against third-place Royston Town before they welcome Stourbridge on Tuesday night.
With the recent addition of Dan Holman, the Poppies have all the talent to achieve their goals. Royston and Stourbridge will fancy their chance – but six points in the coming days will be the perfect remedy.