While Billy Heath’s Shaymen head to Stalybridge Celtic searching for Town’s first win in five, the Vanarama National League has a full fixture list to boast.
An inform Nuneaton side head to high-flyers Darlington who still cling on to fourth despite one win in their last six. Nuneaton this week extended the loan of 23-year-old Jordan Nicholson from Peterborough and the forward has been vital to Boro’s good form.
Bottom of the form-table Gloucester City travel to bottom of the league Altrincham for a clash of two-of-the most out of form sides in England. Altrincham have picked up just one point from a possible 18 whereas Gloucester have failed to even match that. Defeat for Altrincham could leave them 14 points adrift at the bottom of the division.
New signing from National League Macclesfield, Richie Branagan will make his debut for Chorley as they face Brackley Town away from home. The goalkeeper is likely to replace Shane Rowley in net for the Magpies after Rowley returned to his parent club Shrewsbury Town. A win for Brackley could see them jump into the play-offs.
Elsewhere in the play-offs, Kidderminster Harriers take on Salford City in the West Midlands. Salford did the double over Bradford Park Avenue over the festive period and forced themselves into fifth in the league. The Harriers have stayed consistent all season and will be looking to extend that six-game unbeaten run.
Runaway leaders AFC Fylde host FC United of Manchester at Mill Farm knowing that a victory could push them nine-point clear at the top. Remarkably, FC United top Fylde in the form table despite currently being ten points adrift of the play-offs thanks to a brilliant end to the year.
Tamworth will host cup heroes Curzon Ashton in the week that saw Curzon chairman Harry Twamley be named on the New Year’s honours list. A good run of form has seen Curzon climb from danger to fifteen in the table, whereas consecutive defeats to Nuneaton have seen Tamworth fall out fot he play-off needing to bounce back fast.
Full Vanarama National League North fixture list:
AFC Fylde v FC United of Manchester
AFC Telford v Gainsborough Trinity
Altrincham v Gloucester
Boston v Stockport
Brackley v Chorley
Darlington v Nuneaton
Harrogate v Alfreton
Salford v Kidderminster
Stalybridge v Halifax
Tamworth v Curzon
Worcester v Bradford Park Avenue.
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