Five Things We Learned From New Year’s Day's Action

There were some fantastic attendances across the board as supporters crammed into our grounds for their first football fix of 2018.

They were rewarded with some brilliant action across our three divisions and we’ve looked at some of the biggest things we can take from another round of fixtures.

There’s still some fight left in Whitehawk!

It’s been a miserable season for the Hawks but they started 2018 with a bang and, more importantly, three points! Boss Steve King thought his side should have beaten rivals Eastbourne Borough on Boxing Day but they fell to a 1-0 defeat. They were definitely the better side on New Year’s Day, however, winning 4-1 on the road to taste victory for the first time this season.

The National League knows how to bring you down with a bang

Tranmere Rovers had won five National League games in a row and were scoring for fun heading into New Year’s Day. Despite conceding just twice in those five games, Micky Mellon’s men shipped five at AFC Fylde. Had the New Year’s Eve celebrations taken it out of the Rovers players or was it merely just an off day? Mellon will want a reaction at Barrow on Saturday.

Macclesfield Town are finding different ways to win

Scott Wilson has been Macc’s main goal threat this season but they’re getting help from all over the pitch. Danny Whitehead and Tyrone Marsh netted in the Boxing Day win over FC Halifax before the evergreen Danny Whitaker got the winner against Sutton United on Saturday. Midfielder Mitch Hancox then took the headlines in the 4-1 win at Halifax yesterday, grabbing himself a hat-trick!

Harrogate Town look to be Salford’s biggest challenger

Salford’s winless run was extended to three games after their 2-2 home draw against FC United of Manchester. Their lead at the top of the National League North was reduced to four points after Harrogate’s 3-0 victory against Darlington. Salford will surely get back to winning ways very soon but Harrogate have shown they have the quality, especially going forward, to push them all the way.

You still can’t take your eyes off the National League South

Widely regarded as the most exciting division in world football this season, the National League South is the gift that keeps giving. Dartford, Havant & Waterlooville, Hampton & Richmond and Truro City all won on New Year’s Day and there is still only five points between leaders Dartford and seventh-placed Hemel Hempstead Town. This title race won’t be decided for quite some time!

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