The NLP’s Picks for the Weekend!

Alex Narey, editor

I have been so impressed this season with Solihull Moors.
Tim Flowers has done a superb job in bringing together a squad that relies on resilience first and while there is plenty of talent in ranks, the former Blackburn and England keeper demands a strong work rate above anything else.
Salford, who had been quiet throughout much of October, laid down their title credentials again last week with a resounding 4-0 win at home to Aldershot, so they are carrying good form. But a trip to face Moors will be one of their biggest tests this season.
The fact we are even saying that, considering where Solihull were 12 months ago, is testament to the job Flowers is doing at Damson Park.
 

Jon Couch, news editor

Twice Altrincham have taken on National League North high-flyers Bradford Park Avenue this season and twice they’ve come out on top.
Now, Alty chief Phil Parkinson is gunning for the hat-trick when his side look to add to their league and FA Cup success with victory in the FA Trophy this Saturday.
Parkinson’s men are unbeaten in seven league games – a run which has seen them march to the verge of the play-off places, while handing the boss himself the Manager of the Month award for October.
Mark Bower’s Bradford, meanwhile, clung onto top spot in National League North after three goals in the final six minutes saw them battle back from 2-0 to beat Ashton United last Saturday.
It’s one of 13 all Step 2 ties – seven in the North – as the Road to Wembley hits the Third Round Qualifying stage, and it and is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing.
 

Matt Badcock, chief writer

Martin Allen takes Chesterfield to his former club this weekend where he will take on an Eastleigh side now managed by his former coach Ben Strevens.
It still seems remarkable the Spireites haven’t won a National League game since starting with a perfect three wins from three at the beginning of the season.
They overcame what was a very tricky FA Cup replay in midweek at Billericay Town with imposing striker Tom Denton grabbing a hat-trick.
The former North Ferriby United and FC Halifax man is a real handful for defenders and is clearly a big cog in Chesterfield’s wheel.
While the last few years have been generally disappointing for Eastleigh, there seems to be a feel-good factor now, with Strevens leading from the front since his appointment as permanent manager.
They returned from Barrow last week with a 3-0 win to take three points that is quietly inching them towards the play-off places.