Boxing Day Preview: The National League South

Alan Dowson is sure to get a good reception as he sees Hampton & Richmond Borough fans for the first time since the final agonising kick of last season.

In nearly four years at the Beavers he kept them up, took the club to the Ryman Premier title then reached the play-offs twice in the National League South.

It won’t be a surprise to anyone at the Beveree that Woking are in title contention but friendships will be on hold on December 26.

Truro City left Plainmoor just a few weeks ago, but they are back visiting Torquay United - the league leaders favourites to remain top.

Billericay Town really need to bounce back after their 4-0 home disaster against Woking. They could do without derby day at old foes Chelmsford City.

There’s another all Essex affair as Concord Rangers look to strengthen their play-off push by winning at East Thurrock United.

One of the biggest stories is at Dulwich Hamlet as they celebrate their homecoming in front of what is sure to be a sell out crowd against Eastbourne Borough.

A big Kent rivalry is resumed as Steve King’s Welling United host Dartford at Park View Road.

Wealdstone need to get back on track quickly and will be well rested after Saturday’s game at Truro fell foul of the weather.

They welcome Slough Town with both needing points for their play-off push.

Hungerford haven’t been about to manoeuvre themselves out of the bottom three for anything more than a week. A home game with freescoring Oxford City gives them the chance to move out.

That will only happen in Gloucester City don’t win the big game down the bottom - a relegation six pointer at Weston-super-Mare.

Chippenham and Bath City meet with both sides chasing down the top seven. Bath are outside the promotion places on goal difference as Mark Collier’s men sit only three points behind.

There’s local pride at stake as St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead cross swords at Clarence Park with both teams’ eyes on the promotion positions just above.

Boxing Day National League South fixtures:
St Albans v Hemel 1pm
Wealdstone v Slough 1pm
Welling v Dartford 1pm
Woking v Hampton 1pm
Chelmsford v Billericay
Chippenham v Bath City
Dulwich v Eastbourne
East Thurrock v Concord R
Hungerford v Oxford City
Torquay U v Truro City
Weston v Gloucester City