Five Things You Missed In The National League And FA Trophy

It was another Saturday that was full of big results, big goals and big talking points - here are five things you may have missed…

Are Wrexham now National League title favourites?

The Dragons returned to the top of the table for the first time since November following their 2-0 victory at struggling Guiseley. They’ve kept clean sheets in four of their last five games and are now finding the back of the net on a regular basis - Wrexham will be feeling confident.

There’s still life in Torquay United

The Gulls faced a must-win game on Saturday and thankfully for the Torquay faithful, they did. Fellow strugglers Barrow were comfortably beaten at Plainmoor - a result that saw United climb off the foot of the table. It’s a start but boss Gary Owers will know they need a few more results like that one.

Sam Merson is really making a name for himself

The St Albans City striker scored another two goals on Saturday in the Saints’ 4-0 demolition of leaders Dartford in the National League South. He had scored four the week before against East Thurrock United and boss Ian Allinson says there aren’t many forwards like Merson around. It’s hard to complain with that!

What a difference a week makes in the National League North

Two games and two big wins have taken Darlington out of the bottom three and up to 15th. The Quakers will be looking to climb away from trouble but have difficult fixtures coming up. Leamington lost to Darlo and then only picked up a point at North Ferriby on Saturday so the Brakes are looking over their shoulder. Only three points separate third-bottom Curzon Ashton and Alfreton Town in 14th!

There are no easy ties in the FA Trophy

You can see by the number of draws on Saturday that the Trophy remains a fierce competition. Harrogate Town were held by Bostik Premier side Billericay, Stockport County grabbed a replay against National League outfit Maidenhead United and Brackley Town picked up another top-flight scalp in Sutton United. Bromley were also held by Step 3 side Workington and face a replay on Tuesday.

Leyton Orient could be heading for Wembley…

When Justin Edinburgh took charge at Brisbane Road, he said the Trophy was a winnable competition for Orient. Of course, securing their National League status is their priority but a visit to the famous arch would be most welcome for the O’s. They just about squeezed past Dover Athletic on Saturday after relinquishing a three-goal lead - they’ve passed one of the toughest tests.

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