National League North: Complete Weekend Preview

We said goodbye to September with FA Cup excitement but that is parked for now as the battle for points resumes.

Oxford City hope a changing of the calendar and a change of manager will spark their season into life.

The strugglers, pictured, have replaced Sam Cox with former boss Ross Jenkins and there will be no better place to start their climb than at the leaders Scunthorpe United, who are hurting after being humbled by Guiseley in the FA Cup.

They’re not bottom - that unwanted honour belongs to Radcliffe, who have their own third qualifying round exit to try and banish. They face Marine, who are also in the bottom four.

Making up the relegation slots are Rushall Olympic and a trip to Peterborough Sports after losing all four of their away games so far won’t help their cause.

Buxton are also pointless on their travels so will be happy to be on home turf. They’ll be less pleased it’s third place Curzon Ashton paying a visit, the Nash are up there on merit insists player manager Craig Mahon.

Just above them sit Chester, who play host to Farsley Celtic on Saturday while fourth place Chorley are another chaser playing in front of their own fans as Warrington Town make the short trip.

There’s a big play-off battle as strong starters Alfreton Town and Hereford clash while Leamington’s impressive first two months goes under examination from Scarborough Athletic.

Kidderminster Harriers really need to get themselves going in the league but Phil Brown will be very aware than not many have left Spennymoor Town with all three points in 2024.

King’s Lynn Town and Darlington will be content with their starts and meet this weekend, while Southport and Brackley need to get a run going.

Needham Market sit just outside the bottom four and three points against South Shields will boost their hopes.

National League North fixtures:
Alfreton Town vs Hereford
Buxton v Curzon Ashton
Chester v Farsley Celtic
Chorley v Warrington Town
King’s Lynn Town v Darlington
Leamington v Scarborough Ath
Marine v Radcliffe
Needham Market v South Shields
Peterborough S v Rushall Olympic
Scunthorpe United v Oxford City
Southport v Brackley Town
Spennymoor T v Kidderminster H