Round Up: Vanarama National League North

By Steve Whitney

The top two in the Vanarama National League North met at the CNG Stadium and both Harrogate Town and visitors Brackley Town maintained their unbeaten starts to the new campaign after a 1-1 draw.

Brackley took just 3 minutes to take the lead as Lee Ndlovu lost his marker at the left by-line and tried to beat James Belshaw at his near post, only for the ‘keeper’s save to fall into the path of Aaron Williams for an easy finish.

The hosts responded 7 minutes later though as Jordan Thewlis’ finish bounced back off the bar, only for George Thomson to collect the ball and pull back for Joe Leesley to equalise at the near post.

Both sides had chances to win it after that, but a draw was just about right on the day.

Relegated Southport are third after inflicting a second defeat on Darlington FC.

The Quakers had plenty of possession at the Merseyrail Community Stadium, especially in the first half, but were unable to make the most of it and paid the price.

Port broke the deadlock 4 minutes after the break after a mistake in Darlington’s defence allowed Chris Sang to beat Adam Bartlett.

And the hosts completed victory 3 minutes into stoppage time when Chris Merrie`s 25-yard effort swerved past Bartlett.

Salford City are fourth, but had to be content with a point from their short trip to the Tameside Stadium to play Curzon Ashton.

It was the home side who drew first blood when Max Leonard slotted past the outrushing Max Crocombe.

The Ammies were being pegged back at times by The Nash, who have made an indifferent start to the campaign.

However, the visitors found a way back into the game after 65 minutes when Lois Maynard found the back of the net from the edge of the box.

Both sides had opportunities to win it after that, but a draw was probably about right on the day.

Relegated York City were disappointing in going down to a 2-0 defeat at Victory Park against a Chorley side who had only won once before this one.

Magpies striker Josh Wilson claimed a first half brace for Matt Jansen`s outfit in the 20th and 37th minutes.

AFC Telford United have now lost all four of their home league games so far this season after a best-of-five defeat at the New Bucks Head against promoted Blyth Spartans.

It was very much a `game of two halves`, with the visitors dominant and going into the break three-up with goals from Robbie Dale after 28 minutes, Daniel Maguire 3 minutes later and Dale Hopson from the penalty spot on 35 minutes.

In the second period, the home side were much better and reduced the deficit by two through Marcus Dinanga on 64 minutes and Elliot Newby 12 minutes from time, but, despite going close on a couple of occasions, the Bucks couldn`t find an equaliser.

Leamington moved off the bottom of the table after winning for the first time since the opening day of the season.

The Brakes beat another struggler, FC United of Manchester, on their own Broadhurst Park ground.

A crowd of 2,380 saw a goalless opening 45 minutes and then FC United almost broke the deadlock on 65 minutes when Jason Gilchrist struck the post.

However, 4 minutes later it was Leamington`s Kieran Dunbar who did break the deadlock with a well-taken effort.

And then on 76 minutes, the visitors extended their advantage when Colby Bishop managed to snap up a rebound after FC United keeper Lloyd Allinson had saved his initial effort.

The home side gave themselves a chance of getting something from the game when Scott Kay`s first goal for the club on 83 minutes.

But the Brakes held firm for three good points.

Kidderminster Harriers were held to a1-1 draw by Boston United at Aggborough.

The home side took a 6th minute lead through a well-taken Emmanuel Sonupe goal, before Brandon Hall saved a Boston penalty.

Fraser Horsfall’s own goal levelled matters 4 after the break.

Nuneaton Town and Alfreton Town also shared the spoils at Liberty Way in an entertaining encounter.

Boro came out of the blocks in explosive fashion and after Jordan Nicholson`s initial strike had been pushed away by Reds ‘keeper Chris Elliott, Nicholson netted from the resulting corner.

In their first attack, Alfreton were able to carve the Boro defence open on 11 minutes as Chris Sharp was able to stride through and level matters.

Nicholson hit the top of the crossbar on 27 minutes and he went close again with an effort that was beaten away by the ‘keeper.

Some sloppy defensive play from Brad Gascoigne allowed Craig Westcarr to break through and he was pulled down by keeper Dean Lyness for a penalty.

The ‘keeper was duly booked and Westcarr stepped up to convert from the spot to make it 2-1 on 51 minutes.

The equaliser came 11 minutes later when Ryan Beswick’s corner found its way into the net off the head of a visiting defender at the near post under pressure from two attackers.

Right at the death, Brody Robertson had an opening for the visitors but Jon Ashton managed to get in with a timely block as it ended 2-2.

Spennymoor Town and Gainsborough Trinity also shared the points at the Brewery Field.

Joe Tait had an interesting afternoon!

It was his own goal that gave Trinity an early 10th minute lead.

But it was his penalty that pulled the Moors back on level terms 9 minutes before half-time.

There were two goalless encounters on Saturday.

Stockport County were held by a resolute Bradford Park Avenue outfit at Edgeley Park, while relegated North Ferriby United find themselves bottom of the table now after being held by Tamworth at Church Lane.

Where next?

Round-Up: Vanarama National League South Chelmsford City top the early Vanarama National League South table, but had to make do with a point from a 0-0 draw at Melbourne Stadium against newcomers Bognor Regis Town on Saturday.
Round Up: Vanarama National League Often in the past, winning the manager of the month award guarantees defeat in the next match! But not for Dagenham & Redbridge`s vasly experienced John Still, whose side maintained their unbeaten start to the Vanarama National League season with a 3-1 wi

Match centre

Vanarama National League North
Vanarama National League South
National League Cup Group A

Latest photos

101 photos
Woking (Home) - 24/25
100 photos
Woking (Home) - 24/25
Aldershot (Home) - 24/25
100 photos
Aldershot (Home) - 24/25