Something For The Weekend: Vanarama National League

We’ve got games that will have big consequences for clubs at both ends of the League table.

But which five games should you really be keeping your eye on? That’s where we come in…

Barrow v Sutton United

Barrow need to start picking up some points if they are to avoid any late-season drama whilst Sutton could potentially go top again with victory on Saturday.

The Bluebirds just can’t seem to climb away from trouble. They’ve won just once in their last six National League games and were beaten at home in the FA Trophy by National League North side Brackley Town last time out. They need a result but Sutton will be a tough nut to crack.

The U’s picked up a fantastic 2-1 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge live on BT Sport last Saturday. Young striker Tommy Wright is bang in form and his goals could be crucial for Paul Doswell’s side. Barrow is never an easy place to go and another three points would be huge.

Dagenham & Redbridge v Solihull Moors

Both sides really could do with winning this one. Dagenham need to get back on track and Solihull know they could be just one point off safety come Saturday evening.

For the Daggers, it’s a huge game. Boss John Still will be demanding a reaction from his side following their defeat to Sutton last weekend. They’ve lost four of their last seven National League games, picking up only one win the process. They’re now down to tenth and need to give their promotion push a big shot in the arm.

The Moors have won three of their last four to really boost their survival hopes. Mark Yates has made Solihull extremely hard to beat and they haven’t conceded more than once in a National League game since November. A tough run of fixtures now awaits Moors and it’ll be interesting to see how they get on.

Ebbsfleet United v Boreham Wood

Ebbsfleet and Boreham Wood are both on the outside looking in at the play-off places so three points this weekend could be crucial.

The Fleet have won once in five National League fixtures and were recently knocked out of the FA Trophy by lower league side Warrington Town. They recovered with a goalless draw at Aldershot Town on Saturday and would love to get back to winning ways against a play-off rival.

Luke Garrard’s Wood side slipped out of the top seven after Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat to Dover Athletic. They had picked up some impressive results on the road before that at Dagenham & Redbridge, Leyton Orient and Sutton United. They’ll need another good performance in Kent if they are to return with points.

Leyton Orient v Aldershot Town

Two teams at different ends of the table but with a similar need for three points- it’ll be an interesting one at Brisbane Road.

Orient have been much improved since the arrival of Justin Edinburgh and you would expect them to climb away from trouble soon enough. They’re still only five points clear of danger, however, and have some tough games coming up. After Aldershot, they play Dover, Tranmere and AFC Fylde.

The Shots recently picked up an impressive road win at Dover Athletic and they have a big incentive at Orient on Saturday - they could possibly go top of the table with three points. Gary Waddock’s side travel to Dagenham & Redbridge and welcome Macclesfield after facing Orient so it’ll be a big few weeks for Aldershot.

Wrexham v Tranmere Rovers

A big derby game between two teams in the title hunt with a huge crowd expected? Yes, please!

Goals have been the big problem for Wrexham this season but in Scott Quigley, they’ve perhaps found the solution. The striker scored two on his debut at Hartlepool and the Dragons have now scored six times in their previous two games. A third win on the trot against a big rival could see them move up to second in the table.

Tranmere have proven that the AFC Fylde defeat on New Year’s Day was a one-off. They’ve now won seven of their last nine National League fixtures and are five points off top spot. Micky Mellon’s men will need to be at their best on Saturday against a stingy Wrexham defence. If Rovers have legitimate title aspirations, and they should, three points on Saturday would be a big statement.

National League Fixtures:

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

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