Midweek Preview: Vanarama National League South

The nets were bulging on day one so what has the second round of matches got in store for supporters tonight?

Well, Braintree Town vs Dartford is arguably the match of the night as two of the fancied teams look to inflict some damage.

Dartford maybe underperformed against Hungerford on the first day – but you can’t say the same about Braintree.

What a start it was for new manager Bradley Quinton. He wasn’t thinking that after 20 minutes at Eastbourne after letting in two sloppy goals, but it was a fightback to make the manager proud – they won 3-2 at the Sports to begin the new Iron era in style.

St Albans also won by the same scoreline away from home and tonight they play well-tipped Wealdstone who won 2-1 at home to Concord on Saturday.

Hemel Hempstead take their fine first day form to the Essex club side and they know the fact Rangers lost at the Stones won’t help their cause.

Tudors manager Dean Brennan said: “Saturday’s 3-0 win over Whitehawk was a strong performance, you see teams slip up all the time on the first day of the season.

“Concord is a really difficult ground to go to, they make it hard for you to go and play but we’re not lacking in belief.”

Poole Town’s late show at Weston sets them up perfectly for a meeting of the first day winners – buoyant Bognor Regis make the short trip after they got the better of Bath City 3-2 thanks to Ollie Pearce’s stunning winner.

Bath themselves need to repair that damaged and the last thing they need is a fierce local derby game.

Chippenham Town arrive at Twerton Park with nothing to lose according to manager Mark Collier.

Chelmsford were impressive on the first day of the season as Rod Stringer’s much-changed team got the better of Gloucester City thanks to two goals from the excellent Kudus Oyenuga.

The Clarets start as favourites to beat Welling United at Park View Road but Stringer the manager said: “Welling will really test us, it’s a difficult ground to go to.”

Hampton and Richmond Borough have ambitions of promotion again and on the first day of the season they were gritty over at East Thurrock. A 1-1 was good reward but Alan Dowson will demand three points tonight when they welcome Oxford City.

Havant & Waterlooville v Eastbourne Borough brings together two sides who will want to be in the shake up when it matters.

But having thrown away a 2-0 lead to lose at home to Braintree, the Sports players will know they have some making up to do. Whitehawk, meanwhile, host East Thurrock United.

Fixtures in full:
Bath City v Chippenham Town
Braintree T v Dartford
Concord Rangers v Hemel Hempstead
Hampton & Richmond v Oxford City
Havant & Waterlooville v Eastbourne Borough
Poole Town v Bognor Regis
St Albans City v Wealdstone
Welling United v Chelmsford City
Whitehawk v East Thurrock United