Something For New Year’s Day: National League South

In a reverse on the Boxing Day programme, there’s a number of big matches ready to be played.

After having five leaders on Christmas Day, we’re down to just one now. But with four clubs sitting just behind Dartford you can’t second guess what’s going to happen.

Here, we run through the three games which need your attention heading into Monday’s programme.

We’ll be selecting a Team of New Year’s Day on Tuesday and bring you the reaction that matters.

Dartford v Welling United

This game brings back great memories for Darts fans. On the day Sergio Aguero scored *that* goal to win the title for Manchester City, the Darts beat their big rivals in the Conference South play-off final.

Both have played in the top tier since but they find themselves back at Step 2 looking to reclaim their spot.

Tony Burman’s side knows how big their late and dramatic 3-2 win at Park View Road was. Dartford are very good at home so it’s going to take a huge effort from the Wings to stop them retaining top spot.

Chelmsford City v Braintree Town

Can it be any better than the Boxing Day game? Well both sets of players are going to have fun trying.

City manager Rod Stringer says there is unfinished business for his team after the Iron scored late to salvage a 2-2 draw at Cressing Road.

There’s no love lost between the two Essex foes, and part two of the derby game should be a great watch.

Bognor Regis v Havant & Waterlooville

Two coastal clubs clash - and both have eyes on very different things.

Havant sit second and Bognor Regis second from bottom, so it goes without saying that this is a big match in both club’s seasons.

The Hawks are fantastic away from home, taking 26 points from their 11 matches. On Bognor’s excellent pitch will feel they can carry that on into 2018. But the Rocks average less than a point a game in front of their own fans - they need to see to that on Monday with the team four points from safety.

National League South fixtures
Bognor Regis v Havant & W
Chelmsford City v Braintree
Chippenham v Hungerford
Dartford v Welling United
East Thurrock v Concord R
Eastbourne v Whitehawk
Hemel H v St Albans
Oxford City v Gloucester City
Truro City v Poole Town
Wealdstone v Hampton & RB
Weston SM v Bath City

PHOTOS BY PAUL PAXFORD & ED BOYDEN