We look at the fixtures taking place between teams in The Vanarama National League, as the season approaches its climax.
Barrow vs Chester
This game will be crucial for Barrow as they face already relegated Chester. Barrow are just one point above the relegation zone and will want three points rather than rely on 21st placed Woking losing to Dover. Chester have won once in their last five games and have lost the other four matches. The hosts however have drawn in their last two games.
Boreham Wood vs Guiseley
Play-off chasing Boreham Wood will be the heavy favourites for this fixture against rock-bottom Guiseley. Guiseley may have some confidence as they come in to the game after winning against fellow relegated side Torquay 3-4 in their last match, while Boreham lost 3-2 to Bromley. The Wood also have the league’s fifth top scorer at their disposal in the form of midfielder Bruno Andrade who has a tally of 19 goals.
Gateshead vs Leyton Orient
An out of sorts Gateshead side host fellow mid-table side Leyton Orient. 14th placed Gateshead have lost their last three games, most recently in a 2-5 defeat to Ebbsfleet. The 13th placed O’s lost in their previous game too, a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Maidenhead, however they pose a clear attacking threat, as they have the league’s third top scorer, Macauley Bonne.
Macclesfield Town vs Dagenham & Redbridge
The Vanarama National League champions host 11th placed Dagenham. The Daggers should take confidence from the fact that they have been victorious in their last two games while the hosts who have deservedly earned top spot are undefeated in eight games and they gained three points in five of those fixtures.
Maidenhead United vs Bromley
Bromley almost certainly have to win this game if they are to finish in the play-offs as they moved up to 8th in the table, overtaking Dover on goal difference. The Ravens are separated from 7th placed Boreham by just two points, however they will need Boreham Wood to lose against rock-bottom Guiseley. To add to the odds against Bromley, the hosts have lost just once in their last five, and won the other games.
Maidstone United vs FC Halifax Town
The Shaymen make the long journey to Maidstone hoping to end the season on a high after losing to Tranmere in their final home game of the season. Midfielder Harry Pritchard poses the main threat to the Town defence as he is the Stones’ top scorer with 13 goals to his name. Halifax go in to the game in 16th place whereas Maidenhead occupy 12th.
Solihull Moors vs Eastleigh
There’s little to play for more than taking some momentum in to next season as Solihull Moors recently secured their National League status after pulling off a shock win against second placed Tranmere in their last game. Eastleigh, who are also safe by a mere point even if they lose, enter the game after a being defeated in their last four consecutive fixtures.
Sutton United vs Aldershot Town
A battle at the top of the table comes in the form of this fixture as Sutton seek to keep 3rd place against 4th placed Aldershot. Both teams are in a period of inconsistent form and just one point separating the pair. Tommy Wright is Paul Doswell side’s top scorer after hitting the back of the net 12 times this season. Shamir Fenelon is the Shots’ highest scorer who has just one less than Wright.
Torquay United vs Ebbsfleet United
The Gulls were relegated to The National League South after their draw with Hartlepool and to add to their woes Ebbsfleet who occupy 5th are in good spirits after beating Gateshead 5-2 in their last match. This also means that they have won their last four games out of five in the process.
Tranmere Rovers vs Hartlepool United
Tranmere who have certified themselves 2nd place in the league surprisingly lost 2-1 to Solihull in their last game. However there is little to play for other than gaining a sense of momentum for both clubs as Hartlepool are safe from the drop after clenching a tally of 53 points this season and currently occupying 18th place. Tranmere also have the league’s top scorer Andy Cook at their disposal who has scored 26 goals. His goal-scoring prowess will be a definite threat.
Woking vs Dover Athletic
Both of these sides have won their previous games ahead of this game with both teams having lots to play for. 9th placed Dover need the three points to stand a chance of making the play-offs while for very contrasting reasons 21st Woking need the victory if they aim to stay in the division as they are one point behind Barrow. This promises to be a nail-biting clash.
Wrexham vs AFC Fylde
Wrexham are in with a chance of finishing in the top seven if they beat 6th placed AFC Fylde. The Welsh side are in very poor form, with no victories in their last six games with four defeats coming in this negative run of games. Fylde, who are offering their supporters free travel to the game, propelled themselves in to the play-offs after recently winning four games in a row before narrowly losing to Maidenhead, 1-0. Fylde’s last game ended with the spoils being shared in a 1-1 draw with Solihull while the Dragons lost 1-0 against Leyton Orient.
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