National League North Previews

Following a hiatus for FA Cup action, National League North returns with a bang this weekend with a full programme of fixtures.

Scunthorpe United will remain top whatever happens tomorrow. The Iron, unbeaten, needed a replay to overcome Step 4 Newcastle Town in the FA Cup, but and travel to Scarborough Athletic who also required two attempts to see off Dunston.

Curzon Ashton, currently second, made light work of Step 5 Barnoldswick Town last week, but might find the going tougher against Peterborough Sports. Michael Gash’s side enjoyed a confidence boosting win at Oxford City in the week having overcome Enfield Town in the cup three days previous.

Oxford’s defeat leaves them still searching for a first win following relegation. The Hoops sit four points behind Needham Market, who they host at the weekend. It’s the fourth successive home game for Sam Cox’s charges.

Meanwhile, Farsley Celtic haven’t played at their own venue this term. Pitch renovation at The Citadel means they’ll host Leamington at Alfreton Town’s Impact Arena this Saturday. Landlords Alfreton are away to Kidderminster Harriers, looking to build on Tuesday’s nerve-wracking win at home to Spalding United on penalties in the FA Cup.

Warrington Town’s sluggish start and cup exit to Radcliffe resulted in Mark Beesley handing in his resignation. The Yellows face Spennymoor Town, last year’s corresponding fixture saw the hosts come back from 2-0 and 3-1 down to draw.

Chorley have suffered just win defeat in nine in all competitions, meaning they’ll be in buoyant mood on Saturday at South Shields. In contrast, the Mariners were dumped out of the FA Cup with a 5-0 thrashing at lower league Macclesfield.

Rushall Olympic won by the same scoreline against Sheffield and host Chester tomorrow. Chester defeated South Shields in their last league game, and followed it up against fellow Tyne and Wear outfit Hebburn Town in the cup last weekend.

Marine’s tough start to National League North was replicated in the cup, losing to NPL Premier Division Stockton Town. Neil Young’s men haven’t scored in their last three games and are at Brackley Town, who’ve kept back-to-back clean sheets in league and cup.

Radcliffe are one of two clubs below Marine. They’re home to Buxton, who are yet to pick up a point on their travels. For Hereford it’s home form which has held them back – one success in five in all competitions at Edgar Street. They’ll look to improve against King’s Lynn Town.

Darlington v Southport rounds off the fixtures. Both sides won in the cup last week and were rewarded with home draws.

Today’s fixtures (all matches KO 3pm):
Brackley Town v Marine
Curzon Ashton v Peterborough Sports
Darlington v Southport
Farsley Celtic v Leamington
Hereford v King’s Lynn Town
Kidderminster Harriers v Alfreton Town
Oxford City v Needham Market
Radcliffe v Buxton
Rushall Olympic v Chester
Scarborough Athletic v Scunthorpe United
South Shields v Chorley
Warrington Town v Spennymoor Town

Read up on all the games in Sunday’s NLP!