Pre-season Friendlies Every National League Fan Should Look Out For

4 Jul 2017 By Elliott York

The 2017/18 pre-season is upon us and every year it gives Vanarama National League clubs a great chance to test their credentials against some of the big teams further up the Football ladder.

We have picked out some tasty looking pre-season fixtures that can wet your appetite for another exiciting season of Vananara National League football.

July 7th

Aldershot Town vs Brentford (7:30 pm)

National League side Aldershot will be hoping they can compete against a Brentford team who finished 10th in the Championship last season. This will be a great test for Aldershot and a perfect way to start their pre-season, match up against a good Championship side and the squad will be full of confidence.

July 11th

Guiseley AFC vs Barnsley

A pre-season Yorkshire derby. Guiseley's survival last year was a massive boost for the club and a win over The Tykes will be the perfect start to their 17/18 preparations. Barnsley finished 14th in the Championship last season and will not want their Yorkshire neighbours to put one over on them. It should be a great game at Nethermoor Park.

July 12th

AFC Telford vs Aston Villa

The Bucks host former Premier League giants Aston Villa at New Bucks Head, a great opportunity for the club to compete against a strong championship outfit. This may also be the first time John Terry puts on the Villa shirt, what a feeling for the Telford boys to play against such a huge name in football if he comes on.

Torquay United vs Bristol City

After narrowly avoiding the drop at the end of last season, the 17/18 season will be a completely fresh start for The Gulls as they look to get back into the Football League. The Robins will provide a great test for Torquay, another team to narrowly escape relegation last season.

July 15th

Macclesfield Town v Derby County

After the disappointment of losing the FA Trophy final and missing out on the National League playoffs last season, The Silkmen will want a solid pre-season as they push for promotion to the Football League. Derby will provide a very tough test, another solid season for them in the Championship last year will give them the confidence of a real promotion push this season.

Stockport County vs Preston North End

Last season was a solid campaign for The Hatters as they finished 9th in the National League North. A local Lancashire pre-season friendly against Championship Preston will be exactly what they will be looking forward to as they aim to climb back up the football pyramid.

July 18th

York City vs Blackburn Rovers

The Minstermen and Rovers had seasons to forget as they were relegated from the National League and the Championship respectively. This pre-season will be all about rebuilding and gaining confidence for both sides, so neither team will be looking at this game as just your average pre-season friendly. Momentum will be key for both teams heading into the first game of the season.

July 26th

Kidderminster Harriers vs Birmingham City

Kiddy will be hoping they can get a strong pre-season under their belts after their disappointing play-off semi-final exit at the end of last season. They entertain The Blues at Aggborough, who themselves will be looking to have an effective pre-season after avoiding the drop on the final day. It will be a great day for the Harriers, especially if they can put one over on Harry Redknapp's men.

July 27th

Boreham Wood vs Arsenal

The likelihood of Wenger playing his senior players may seem like a slim possibility, but the fact that The Wood have a chance to pitch themselves against the potential future stars at the club at Meadow Park should be motivating enough. Avoiding defeat would be a massive confidence boost for Boreham who will hope to at least challenge for the National League play-offs this season.

July 28th

Eastleigh vs Sheffield United

The Spitfires will be hoping they can compete with a Sheffield United team at Ten Acres who will be brimming with confidence after their superb League One campaign last season. It goes without saying that this will be a difficult test for the National League side, but avoiding a landslide defeat and competing with The Blades will certainly stand them in good stead for their 17/18 season.

Building up to the new season with the Vanarama National League
Can't wait for all the action to start? Join us as we build to your Vanarama National League season on social media.

Where next?

Tuesday`s Pre-Season Friendly Review A handful of clubs in the Vanarama National League enjoyed an early pre-season friendly run-out on Tuesday night.

Vastly Experienced Hill Commits To Avenue Veteran defender Matt Hill has agreed to remain at Bradford Park Avenue, both in his role as a player and as academy coach.