Vanarama National League News

With the FA Cup First Round Proper taking centre stage this weekend, FC Halifax Town find themselves with a weekend off following the 3-1 home defeat to Tranmere Rovers in the fourth qualifying round last month.

In this section, we look at this week’s news surrounding our fellow Vanarama National League sides, starting with our opponents from last weekend.

The Super White Army have been complimented by Peterborough United boss Grant McCann, who believes that Rovers will soon turn themselves around into promotion winning candidates.

McCann, whose side host Rovers in the cup on Saturday afternoon, currently sit ninth in the Sky Bet League One standings after a decent start to their campaign, whereas Rovers are slowly starting to see their fortunes turn following their opening struggle.

Speaking to Peterborough Today, McCann said: “Tranmere have suffered a slow start in the National League, but they have started to hit form and I expect them to be promotion candidates again this season.

“My strongest possible team will play against Tranmere. I want us to play well and entertain obviously, but FA Cup ties are all about winning and getting through to the next round.”

Staying with the FA Cup now and Solihull Moors defender Kristian Green says that his side can play without any pressure, as they prepare to take on League Two high-flyers Wycombe Wanderers.

Solihull, who sit bottom of the league, beat Ossett Town 2-1 to earn their place in the first-round proper. However, they have been dealt a blow following the resignation of manager Richard Money this week, who only spent 26 days in charge.

After playing in a third-round tie against Wycombe in last year’s competition for Stourbridge, Green told the club’s website that they can play with freedom on Sunday afternoon.

“Anything can happen in the FA Cup and we all know that it’s a brilliant competition so we’re all hopeful.

“It’s a break from the National League so we’ve got no pressure and nothing to fear. We’re underdogs and that’s an even better thing in our favour – we can go out there, play with freedom and enjoy the occasion”.

Elsewhere, BT Sport have announced another live fixture from our league to be broadcasted in early December, which will see two high-flying sides face off.

Macclesfield Town vs Wrexham will be shown live from Moss Rose on Saturday 9th December at 12:30pm, after both sides are looking to set themselves as promotion contenders.

Macclesfield currently sit second in the league standings, having won ten of their eighteen fixtures so far. Just behind them in third are Wrexham, who have only been defeated on four occasions, with both sides breathing down the neck of Dover Athletic at the top.

Finally, Aldershot Town are to launch a ‘BAFTA’ day in the hopes of encouraging more fans to attend a special Remembrance Day display hosted by the club.

‘BAFTA’, which stands for ‘Bring A Friend to Aldershot’, has been brought in to help support the remembrance of the Third Battle of Ypres, in which fourteen of the 44 British Divisions were raised or trained in Aldershot.

As part of the day to mark the centenary of the battle, it is hoped that the increased crowd will help to boost the performance of Gary Waddock’s side. Speaking about the day, Aldershot Chairman Shahid Azeem said:

“It is once again a great honour to help our local community recognise and commemorate our links with the British Army, and thank our Armed Forces for the sacrifices they make on our behalf.

“We are delighted to be able to donate 300 free tickets to members of the Garrison and hope that they enjoy their day with us.”