Saturday’s Big Preview: National League North

Alfreton Town have perhaps signalled their intentions with a trio of new additions this week, including prolific striker Reece Styche.

Their new frontman won’t have it easy at Chester who are unbeaten at home all season and hunting down the top seven – will the Blues suffer having not played for three weeks?

The league leaders Chorley are on the road following their brilliant FA Cup win against National League Barrow.

Their hosts Bradford (Park Avenue) will be on a high after their 6-0 demolition of Nuneaton Borough last week but will no doubt face a much sterner test against the Magpies.

After overcoming Stourbridge last week, Guiseley are back at home against Kidderminster Harriers.

Neil MacFarlane said his side will be looking for a response after their surprise defeat to FC United of Manchester last time out.

Speaking of needing a response, that’s almost certainly something Spennymoor Town will be looking to do after their humbling defeat against Brackley last week.

It won’t be easy as they face a Curzon Ashton side who will be looking to build on their recent improvement.

FC United of Manchester got their first win since mid-August last week and Neil Reynolds is now in full control.

Reynolds will be hoping home advantage plays a part as Brackley Town pitch up after their Spennymoor scalp last week.

Altrincham host Ashton United with both sides looking to bounce back after respective cup exits last week.

Marc Richards will be hoping his mini-overhaul of his Hereford squad will begin to impact their form. Can he get his first win against a Boston United side desperate to string together some wins?

Two sides who’ve lost big names this week are Leamington and Darlington. The pair waved goodbye to Matt Stenson and Reece Styche respectively.

Both will no doubt be looking to prove they can survive without their star frontmen.

Southport and Blyth Spartans look like they could be involved in an early six-pointer at the bottom.

Two sides with differing fortunes do battle as York City travel to Telford United, looking to continue their fine form.

The Sam Collins factor has been massive for the Minstermen who haven’t lost since the second week of the season and are in touching distance of the top seven.

Nuneaton Borough’s off-the-field issues have been well documented recently. Their on the field problems also continue – and it won’t get much easier as they travel to Stockport County.

National League South fixtures:
Altrincham v Ashton United
Boston United v Hereford
Bradford (Park Avenue) v Chorley
Chester v Alfreton Town
FC United of Manchester v Brackley Town
Guiseley v Kidderminster Harriers
Leamington v Darlington
Southport v Blyth Spartans
Spennymoor Town v Curzon Ashton
Stockport County v Nuneaton Borough
AFC Telford United v York City