The key talking points from the National League midweek action

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Rochdale were forced to watch on as Carlisle United and Boreham Wood both claimed victories to leapfrog them into the top two of the National League.

Pitch problems postponed Dale’s clash with Scunthorpe United, allowing their rivals to take full advantage – with the Cumbrians easing past FC Halifax Town 2-0 and Boreham Wood returning to winning ways against Aldershot Town.

There were also thumping wins elsewhere, as York City and Solihull Moors both hit four past their respective opponents.

Here are the key talking points from Round 17 of the National League.

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Carlisle & Boreham on the rise

Mark Hughes’ side, fresh off their FA Cup exploits against Reading as Regan Linney fired them into the hat for the next round, as Junior Luamba starred for the Cumbrians.

The 22-year-old opened the scoring in the first half after Linney found him out wide.

Taking a touch, he drilled a low effort at the near post, which took a slight deflection on its way past Halifax keeper Sam Johnson and into the back of the net for his first goal for the club.

Luamba had his brace just after the hour mark when a corner was flicked on by defender Morgan Feeney, and he netted his second of the game from close range.

Meanwhile, Boreham Wood edged past Aldershot Town 1-0 thanks to a moment of individual brilliance from Abdul Abdulmalik in the first half.

The 22-year-old picked up the ball inside his own half and embarked on a dazzling solo run – nutmegging a defender on halfway, driving towards goal, cutting inside, and firing past Patrick Nash, whose touch wasn’t enough to stop it from flying into the top corner.

York & Solihull deliver the entertainment

There were goals galore at the LNER Community Stadium and Damson Park – but only for the hosts.

York stormed into a commanding lead against Gateshead with a first-half blitz, racing 3-0 ahead inside 30 minutes.

Mark Kitching’s surging run down the left set up the opener, his cross cleverly dummied by Ollie Pearce for Josh Stones to slot home in the 11th minute.

Just six minutes later, a slick passing move found Ben Brookes in space out wide. His teasing delivery evaded everyone except right-back Joe Felix, who calmly picked his spot to double the advantage.

The Minstermen made it three on the half-hour mark as Kitching once again provided the assist, this time with a pinpoint cross for Alex Hunt to head past Tiernan Brooks.

Heed held firm after the break, but York added a fourth deep into stoppage time when substitute Ollie Banks’ deft cross found Pearce, who nodded home across goal. Pearce could have had another moments later, but his late penalty was saved to deny York a fifth.

Solihull Moors were in similarly ruthless form against Truro City, cruising to a 4-0 win. Quickfire goals from Conor Wilkinson and Darius Lipsiuc before half-time put the hosts firmly in control.

Wilkinson opened the scoring with a crisp strike into the bottom corner from distance, before turning provider on the counter, setting up Lipsiuc to calmly slot past Dan Lavercombe.

Truro’s task grew harder when Shaun Donnellan was sent off midway through the second half, and Moors took full advantage late on.

Substitute Emmanuel Sonupe made it three with a deft header in the 85th minute, before Sam Bowen rounded off the night in stoppage time with a composed finish into the bottom corner.

Altrincham and Sutton grab vital wins

At the other end of the table, both Altrincham and Sutton United ended their respective winless runs.

The Robins ended a nine-game league drought thanks with the big moments of the game coming from the penalty spot.

Jordy Hiwula saw his spot-kick for Boston United saved by Luke Hutchinson in the 32nd minute, before Elliot Osborne calmly converted from the other end four minutes later to give Altrincham the win.

Sutton were similarly relieved to end a 10-game winless streak.

They opened the scoring inside eight minutes, with a neat passing move sending Jayden Harris racing through on the break. His effort was parried, only for David Ogbonna to tap in the rebound.

Lewis Simper made it 2-0 on the half-hour mark. After Edon Pruti’s two brilliant tackles set him away, he combined with Ashley Nadesan before slotting past Nick Townsend to double the advantage.

Ciaran McGuckin pulled one back for Eastleigh from the penalty spot in the second half, but Sutton held on for a vital three points.

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