National League North Preview

By Mark Stillman

The Star Game in a hampered National League North schedule is third v second – Chorley v King’s Lynn Town.

Chorley v King’s Lynn Town

Wins for both clubs against Spennymoor Town in the last week have seen them move closer to Scunthorpe United at the top of National League North.

Chorley have only suffered two league defeats this season and last lost at home in August to Scarborough Athletic. They’ve scored in all seven games at Victory Park, last failing in the play-off Eliminator v Curzon Ashton in April before prevailing on penalties.

They’re top of the form table across the last eight games, collecting 17 points in that time. They’ve also benefitted from opening the scoring 10 times this season, going on to win seven of those matches.

The Magpies also aren’t reliant on one out-and-out goalscorer. Four of their players have three league goals already with defender Mark Ellis chipping in with a trio. The 36-year-old has only missed one league game since signing in the summer of 2023.

King’s Lynn Town arrive in Lancashire unbeaten in six in the league and have won three of their last four since exiting the FA Cup.

The Linnets sit second but are yet to beat a team in the current top seven, losing to Curzon Ashton and Alfreton Town plus a 0-0 at Hereford. They’ve also failed to score in four away games this season in all competitions.

Last time out they won 2-1 at Spennymoor with Greg Taylor scoring his first goal for the club, and first for anyone since New Year’s Day 2020.

The winners of tomorrow’s clash will go top if Scunthorpe are beaten by Radcliffe.

Saturday’s fixtures (all games KO 3pm):
Chester v Hereford
Chorley v King’s Lynn Town
Farsley Celtic v Darlington
Kidderminster Harriers v Buxton
Leamington v Peterborough Sports
Needham Market v Spennymoor Town
Oxford City v Southport
Scunthorpe United v Radcliffe
Warrington Town v South Shields

Read up on all the weekend’s National League North matches in Sunday’s NLP!