National League Previews

By Mark Stillman

Three teams are tied top of the National League ahead of tonight’s fixtures.

With 16 points from the last 18 available, Forest Green Rovers travel to Oldham Athletic in fine form and on the back of a 2-0 win at high-flying Gateshead. Oldham beat Yeovil Town 1-0 on Saturday and have only been beaten once this campaign. They’ll move a point behind Steve Cotterill’s side if they overcome them at Boundary Park tonight.

Barnet lead the way on goals scored. The Bees have scored the most goals in the division but all three of their defeats this term have been on the road. They’ll be hoping for better fortunes at Aldershot Town, who having scored 15 in their first six matches have only netted one since.

The Shots held York City on Saturday, ending their four game winning spree. Four clean sheets in five games under Adam Hinshelwood has seen them challenge at the right end of the table after last year’s struggle. Tonight they are away to Solihull Moors who have struggled for consistency and have only won once at home thus far.

Eastleigh leapfrogged Rochdale on Saturday with a 4-2 win. This evening they host Woking, who have only won one of their last five. Gateshead also dropped below Eastleigh having suffered back-to-back defeats. Heed host Boston United tonight knowing they won’t make it easy – the Lincolnshire side recovered from 2-0 down to draw at Altrincham on Saturday with 10 men. Goalkeeper Cameron Gregory was dismissed for the Pilgrims on Saturday and broke his jaw in the process.

Alty haven’t hit the heights of last season’s play-off finish yet. They’re currently 17th and host Dagenham & Redbridge tonight. Ben Strevens’ Daggers have won their last three including a stunning 7-1 success over Gateshead 10 days’ ago.

Hartlepool United take on Rochdale tonight with both on the back of consecutive losses. The Pools received a fourth red card already this campaign in Saturday’s defeat at home to Dagenham and are searching for their first home win in 2024/25. Rochdale let in three in their first eight matches but have leaked six in the most recent two.

Maidenhead United host Ebbsfleet United in a big match at the bottom. The two are level on five points – Maidenhead have lost their last three while Ebbsfleet recovered from 2-0 down at Sutton United only to lose to Ashley Nadeson’s 77th minute strike. Sutton will be looking to continue their momentum at home to Yeovil Town, who haven’t scored in their last three outings.

Braintree Town have been the most goal shy side of the division with just five in 10 games. Saturday’s last minute loss to Tom Tonks’ freak goal for Tamworth keeps them in the bottom four ahead of FC Halifax Town’s long trip to Essex. Halifax manager Chris Millington missed Saturday’s win at Maidenhead due to a scheduled operation.

Wealdstone are still winless at home. They take on Southend United won overcame Solihull Moors 4-2 on Saturday. Gus Scott-Morriss sealed the win, astonishingly he already has eight for the season from wing-back.

Only Nick Haughton is ahead of him in the goalscoring charts. His ninth in 10 games earned a point for the Coasters on Saturday against Woking. The managerless side are home to Tamworth tonight – two wins in a row for the Lambs has moved them four points clear of the drop zone. It’s a battle of the last two National League North champions.

Tonight’s fixtures (all games KO 7.45pm):
AFC Fylde v Tamworth
Aldershot Town v Barnet
Altrincham v Dagenham & Redbridge
Braintree Town v FC Halifax Town
Eastleigh v Woking
Gateshead v Boston United
Hartlepool United v Rochdale
Maidenhead United v Ebbsfleet United
Oldham Athletic v Forest Green Rovers
Solihull Moors v York City
Sutton United v Yeovil Town
Wealdstone v Southend United