National League weekend preview: Can anyone stop Boreham Wood? Carlisle United’s unbeaten run and more

By Luke Oakes

Unbeaten league leaders Boreham Wood will look to maintain their momentum this weekend when they take on Hartlepool United

Meanwhile, Carlisle United aim to stretch their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches.

At the other end of the table, Aldershot Town face bottom side Gateshead, while Boston United and Scunthorpe United meet in a crucial relegation battle.

Here, we take a look at five key fixtures to keep an eye on across the National League this weekend.

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Can anyone stop Boreham Wood?

Boreham Wood have been a formidable force in the National League this season.

Undefeated so far, Wood have won their last nine games to open up a ten-point gap on their nearest challengers, Harrogate Town.  

Last time out, Luke Garrard’s side came from behind to beat Woking on the road, Regan Booty netting his first league goal of the season and the winner.

Their attacking form has been just as impressive, with 18 goals scored across their last five matches.

Boreham Wood’s next challenge comes on Saturday when they welcome Hartlepool United to Meadow Park.

There have been a total 12 meetings between the two sides.

Wood were victorious last time out winning three goals to nil and Hartlepool’s last victory in this fixture came in February 2024 when they won 3-1.  

Carlisle United finding form

Rob Elliot’s Carlisle have enjoyed a resurgence in recent weeks, with their improved performances reflected in the results.

Last time out, the Cumbrians eased past Harrogate despite being reduced to nine men.

Josh Williams, Callum Whelan and Ryan Galvin all found the net, while Miguel Azeez and Harvey Bunker were sent off.

The midweek victory extended Carlisle’s unbeaten run to six games across all competitions.

During that spell, the Blues have also beaten AFC Fylde, Aldershot Town, Tamworth and Solihull Moors, with a goalless home draw against Kidderminster Harriers in between.

Elliot will now prepare his side for a meeting with an Altrincham side who are also enjoying a strong run of form and occupy a play-off position

The two sides have met just twice in competitive football, with both encounters coming last season.

Under the stewardship of former manager Mark Hughes, Carlisle won both meetings, 3-1 and 2-1 respectively.

Fight for survival

Looking down the table, Boston host Scunthorpe in a battle between two sides looking to put an end to their recent struggles.

Both clubs sit in the bottom four and face the prospect of dropping into Step 2 of the National League System next season.

Boston occupy the more promising position in 21st place.

A victory, coupled with favourable results elsewhere, would see Paul Hurst’s side climb out of the relegation zone.

The Pilgrims have a positive result to build on after completing a late comeback to beat basement side Gateshead at home on Tuesday.

Scunthorpe, meanwhile, head into the game without a manager and on the back of consecutive defeats.

A 4-1 loss to Tamworth in midweek proved to be the final straw for Andy Butler, who was relieved of his managerial duties on Wednesday.

The recent head-to-head record between the sides is evenly matched. Both have claimed one victory, while the other four of their last six meetings have ended in draws.

Their most recent encounter came in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round earlier this month, when Scunthorpe came out on top against their Lincolnshire rivals with a 3-1 victory.

Stopping the slide

Another important clash towards the bottom of the table sees Aldershot take on Gateshead.

The Shots have not registered a league victory since September 26, when they thrashed Tamworth 5-1.

Since that win, Scott Davies’ side have suffered defeats against Hornchurch, Carlisle United, Altrincham, Wealdstone and Sutton United.

That run has left Aldershot 16th in the table, just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Gateshead, meanwhile, have struggled even more, with just one league win all season and eight consecutive defeats leaving them bottom of the table on four just four points.

The Heed also face uncertainty off the pitch, with their proposed takeover by Flacks Group now in doubt following a past ownership agreement dispute.

Ben Clark’s side hold the advantage in the overall head-to-head record, having won eight of the last 20 meetings between the two sides.

The two sides last met in April, when Gateshead claimed a 1-0 victory. Aldershot’s most recent win in this fixture came in March 2025, when they ran out 3-1 winners.

Forest Green Rovers stick with coaching team

Forest Green Rovers continue to make headlines after opting to stick with their existing coaching team following Robbie Savage’s departure to League One outfit Peterborough United.

Josh Bowen, Yan Klukowski and Johnathan Gould remain in charge of first-team matters, with owner Dale Vince choosing not to appoint a new manager.

Rovers sit 15th in the table and are unbeaten in their last two games. Last time out, they saw off Eastleigh thanks to goals from debutant Will Grigg and Filozofe Mabete.

The coaching trio now face a major test against second-placed Harrogate in one of the weekend’s early kick-offs.

Simon Weaver’s side head into the fixture following a surprise defeat to nine-man Carlisle, but remain second in the table despite that setback.

READ MORE: National League roundup: Boreham Wood flying as nine-man Carlisle United stun Harrogate Town