Something For The Weekend: Vanarama National League

There are big games that will have consequences up and down the table - what more could we ask for?

We’ve picked out five fixtures that you need to keep an eye on this Saturday and what a handful of matches they are.

Sutton United v Dagenham & Redbridge

It’s pretty clear why BT Sport have picked this game to be televised (12.30pm kick-off). Sutton could climb back up to second with a win whilst at least a point for Dagenham would most likely propel them back into the play-off places.

Sutton safely navigated a tricky FA Trophy tie against Hendon last time out and picked up three big points at Gateshead the week before that. Their unlikely promotion charge doesn’t look like slowing down just yet!

For Dagenham, they will need a big reaction from their last game - a 3-2 home defeat to play-off rivals Boreham Wood. The Daggers have slipped out of the top seven and what better way to get back on track than with a big away win on TV?

AFC Fylde v Macclesfield Town

This is another big test for the leaders at an AFC Fylde team that have slowly climbed the table off the back of some great form.

The Coasters were always expected to challenge at the top following promotion last season and they are starting to deliver when it really matters. They’ve won four of their last five, including an impressive 5-2 victory against Tranmere. Dave Challinor’s side will give Macclesfield plenty to worry about as they look to climb into the play-off places.

The Silkmen have passed just about every test that they’ve been given this season. They’re unbeaten in 11 games and their lead now stands at four points following the disappointing home draw with Solihull Moors last time out. John Askey’s men will still be top at the close of play on Saturday regardless of the result.

Aldershot Town v Ebbsfleet United

The Shots seem back to their best now and they will need to stay that way this Saturday against a dangerous Ebbsfleet United side.

Gary Waddock’s men had a mini blip at the start of December but two good away victories against Woking and Dover Athletic since the turn of the year have got the Shots believing again. Fleet don’t lose many on the road so this would be another vital three points.

Ebbsfleet are another side on the brink of the top seven looking to join the party. They’ve lost two of their last three in the National League and were dumped out of the FA Trophy by Northern Premier side Warrington on Tuesday night. Daryl McMahon will demand a response and they’re going to need one.

Boreham Wood v Dover Athletic

These two teams occupy the final two play-off places and it’s obvious that both want to stay there - it’s a big game at Meadow Park on Saturday.

Despite being knocked out of the FA Trophy by Gateshead on Tuesday, Boreham Wood have put down a marker in recent weeks. They picked up five points from three difficult away trips to Sutton, Leyton Orient and Dagenham. There’s plenty of quality in the Wood squad and now they’re starting to believe.

Dover just had enough to see off lower league side Marine in the FA Trophy on Saturday and will need to improve if they are to keep up their play-off hopes. They’re winless in five games and Chris Kinnear will know the importance of getting back on track quickly. Three points this weekend would be huge.

Guiseley v Barrow

Whilst there are plenty of interesting games in and around the play-offs, there is also a key fixture towards the bottom end of the table.

Guiseley have lost three of their last four and after Saturday’s game, face Dover, Wrexham and Macclesfield. That is a really tough run of fixtures and the Lions would give themselves a big helping hand with victory over Barrow on Saturday. They’re nine points from safety so wins need to start rolling in and fast.

Ady Pennock was furious with the lack of professionalism from his side as they were beaten by National League North side Brackley Town in their FA Trophy replay on Tuesday night. Now the Bluebirds have just the League to focus on. They take on their former boss Paul Cox on Saturday knowing a win could take them eight points clear of danger. A defeat, on the other hand, would be disastrous.

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Full National League Fixture List:

AFC Fylde v Macclesfield Town
Aldershot Town v Ebbsfleet United
Boreham Wood v Dover Athletic
Chester v Gateshead
FC Halifax Town v Leyton Orient
Guiseley v Barrow
Hartlepool United v Wrexham
Maidstone United v Eastleigh
Solihull Moors v Woking
Sutton United v Dagenham & Redbridge (12.30)
Torquay United v Bromley
Tranmere Rovers v Maidenhead United

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