It’s A Boxing Day Bonanza In The National League!

December 26 is one of the most looked forward to dates on the calendar. So let’s find out why.

There’s only one place to start and it’s not a game full of historical differences - but don’t be fooled into thinking that means anything!

Third host second in a title shoot out as Wrexham and Salford City get ready to do battle.

It’s a crucial period in both clubs’ seasons. The Ammies have tasted back-to-back defeat and it’s left a bitter taste. While the Red Dragons are also desperate to get back on track - Graham Barrow’s team have won only once in five but victory will spark them into life.

Leyton Orient will be listening in after their early kick off - but they couldn’t have wished for a much more channelling game.

Dagenham, top of the form guide and having just won away at Salford, couldn’t care less about reputation. The sides meet with thousands expected.

There’s a huge game at the bottom as well - and it’s a big derby.

Dover Athletic welcome Maidstone with both teams imbedded in the bottom four.

Eastleigh and Havant have been waiting years for the return of their grudge match. It’s back with a bang on Boxing Day - and both need the points for very different reasons.

The same can be said of the teams facing off the Proact. Chesterfield sit a place above the drop zone while Solihull Moors see no reason why they can’t make the play-offs.

Barnet also maintain top seven hopes after beating Dover on BT Sport. They make the short trip to Boreham Wood, who know how to perform in front of a big crowd.

Gateshead continue to impress under the watchful eye of Steve Watson. They are expecting their biggest crowd of the season so far when Richard Money’s Hartlepool pay them a visit.

Ebbsfleet’s first defeat since October can be quickly forgotten about if they win at home to Braintree on Wednesday.

Simon Weaver’s Harrogate really need to beat FC Halifax if their title quest will carry on into 2019.

Sutton United are eying the top seven again after their dramatic victory at the Shay. The first of their festive double headers with Bromley is on Boxing Day - with New Year’s day’s part two live on BT Sport.

Barrow are proving their doubters wrong says manager Ian Evatt. They can put more pressure on the promotion places if they can add to AFC Fylde’s away day issues.

Maidenhead United are sticking together insists Alan Devonshire despite their poor run.

A win at home to Aldershot Town in the early kick-off would give the whole club a lift.

Boxing Day fixtures: (3pm unless stated)
Maidenhead v Aldershot 12.30pm
Boreham W v Barnet 1pm
Dagenham v Leyton O 1pm
Barrow v AFC Fylde
Chesterfield v Solihull Moors
Dover A v Maidstone United
Ebbsfleet v Braintree
Gateshead v Hartlepool
Harrogate v FC Halifax
Havant & W v Eastleigh
Sutton United v Bromley
Wrexham v Salford City

PHOTO BY GRAHAM SCRAMBLER