Big National League Games Aplenty On FA Cup Weekend

It’s a reduced day in terms of quantity of fixtures but Saturday is no less important - and managers will be demanding results with rivals in-active.

Those title chasers going into battle for three points will want to seize the opportunity with Forest Green and Oldham Athletic watching on.

Barnet went top on Wednesday, the third different club to lead the way in little over 24 hours.

Now it’s about staying there, and Dean Brennan knows his team might have to win at back-in-form Hartlepool United to do that.

That’s because York City are so good at home. With the Bees having been on the receiving end themselves, the Minstermen have been crushing all before them for months at the LNER.

In fact they’ve scored 16 goals in their last four home matches alone - and struggling Maidenhead United are next in the firing line.

Braintree Town begin life without Angelo Harrop with a home match against another title challenger, Gateshead.

We’re still not at the half-way stage yet but Ebbsfleet United fans will fear the worst if they don’t register their second win of the season when Boston United visit for a crucial game down the bottom.

It’s only one victory since early September - and one goal scored in five matches for the Cards.

Michael Doyle needs a result at home to Yeovil Town, who have now lost three in a row.

FC Halifax Town were the toast of the other teams at the top of Wednesday night as they pegged back leaders Forest Green at the New Lawn.

Southend United pay a visit on Saturday, and the Essex club are without a win in November.

Sutton United have won back-to-back home games 1-0 - but AFC Fylde aren’t in the mood to become their latest Gander Green Lane victim.

National League fixtures:
Braintree Town v Gateshead
Ebbsfleet United v Boston United
FC Halifax v Southend United
Hartlepool United v Barnet
Sutton United v AFC Fylde
Woking v Yeovil Town
York City v Maidenhead United

PHOTO BY PAUL LOUGHLIN