Five Things We Learned From Boxing Day

Supporters crammed onto the terraces and witnessed some fantastic games full of goals across our three divisions.

We’ve dissected the action and picked out five things we can take from the day - it was a difficult job choosing just a handful!

Boxing Day derbies are a hit with fans

We had a number of impressive crowds across our three divisions and it was clear that local derbies over the festive period pull in the punters. Over 5,000 watched Leyton Orient overcome London rivals Dagenham & Redbridge at Brisbane Road whilst more than 4,000 saw Aldershot overcome Woking.

The north east also saw fans flock to games as 3,500 were treated to a 2-2 draw at Gateshead versus Hartlepool and just under 1,200 watched Spennymoor win 3-2 at Blyth Spartans. Over 3,000 were at Broadhurst Park for FC United’s 3-2 success against Salford City and in National League South, just under 1,500 witnessed the 2-2 draw between Essex rivals Braintree Town and Chelmsford City.

National League South will continue to excite!

It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Widely considered as one of the most exciting Leagues in the world this season, Boxing Day provided few clues as to who will be raising the title at the end of April. Leaders Dartford and Truro City were the only clubs in the top nine to win. The Darts are two points clear but still just five ahead of eighth-placed St Albans City!

The National League North title race is far from over

National League North has looked like a formality compared to the South. Salford City were walking away with things but two defeats on the bounce have got people talking again. They’re still six points clear after nearest rivals Harrogate Town also lost on Boxing Day but if anything, Salford’s mini blip will give the chasing pack hope they can close the gap.

Wrexham need some firepower in the January sales

They may have the joint best defensive record in the National League but it’s goals that win games. The Dragons have scored just 24 goals in 26 League games - only one more than second-bottom Torquay United. Boss Dean Keates has confirmed he will have money to spend in January and it’s clear where Wrexham need to improve if they want to return to the Football League.

Whitehawk still love Sergio Torres!

They're bottom of the National League South but that didn’t stop Whitehawk from dishing out some Christmas cheer on Boxing Day. Their former hero Sergio Torres, who played 131 times for them, returned to the Enclosed Ground with his new club Eastbourne Borough. He left with three points after a 1-0 win but also with a present from his former employers. The Hawks presented Torres with a signed picture after the game, thanking him for his service.

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