It’s So Tight At The Top Ahead Of A Huge Weekend

Four clubs sit on 17 points as the new season gets off to a typically enthralling start - but how will things look on Saturday night?

Leaders Gateshead sat and watched on Tuesday as the chasing pack closed in, but it wasn’t enough to unseat them at the summit.

They knows it’s pretty unlikely that they will be sitting on top by the time their enhanced DAZN game at Dagenham kicks-offs at 5.30pm - and there’s no guarantee that success in East London will be enough to keep them there.

Rochdale, looking for five wins in a row, are in second but three points at home to Solihull Moors may not see them take over the leadership, even for a few hours.

That’s because Forest Green Rovers are only one goal worse off and they are back at home having played just once at the New Lawn so far. It’s Wealdstone paying a visit this weekend.

York City have a chance too if things go their way. Also on 17 points, the arrival of AFC Fylde represents an opportunity and it’s no wins in six for the Coasters with three losses in a row.

Eastleigh missed the chance to go top on Tuesday and look to put their disappointment behind them at FC Halifax Town, who need to turn draws into wins.

Shaymen will get little sympathy from Oldham Athletic fans. Their side have drawn five of their last six games 1-1 and need that trend to finish at Woking, who have taken 13 points from their last six games.

Barnet manager Dean Brennan spoke from the heart on Tuesday. Will the atmosphere improve when Braintree Town visit with the Bees just two points off the pace?

It’s all change at Ebbsfleet United. Danny Searle has departed at Harry Watling has taken over - will they get the same new manager bounce as last time? Hartlepool United hope not.

Boston United’s home form will be critical to staying in the division says Ian Culverhouse. Inconsistency is damaging Aldershot Town, who head to Lincolnshire with a poor record away to teams near the foot of the table.

Sutton United have lost their way in recent weeks and won’t relish seeing a trip to Southend United on their schedule.

Two sides needing a win meet when Tamworth host Maidenhead United as Altrincham looking to get over their late agony at Barnet with three points at Yeovil Town.

National League fixtures

Barnet v Braintree Town
Boston United v Aldershot Town
Dagenham & Redbridge v Gateshead
Ebbsfleet United v Hartlepool United
FC Halifax Town v Eastleigh
Forest Green Rovers v Wealdstone
Rochdale v Solihull Moors
Southend United v Sutton United
Tamworth v Maidenhead United
Woking v Oldham Athletic
Yeovil Town v Altrincham
York City v AFC Fylde