Something For The Weekend: Vanarama National League

Points have never been so crucial and there are no moral victories for good performances - it’s all about results.

There are some vital games lined up on Saturday so which three games are the ones to really keep your eye on? Well, let’s take a look.

AFC Fylde v Sutton United

A big game for both clubs in the promotion mix - this should be an entertaining game at Mill Farm.

Fylde seem to have been knocking on the top seven door for weeks now and they have finally let themselves in. Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Barrow has seen them climb int the play-off places but now they need to stay there. Sutton are a wounded animal at the moment and Dave Challinor’s men will be confident of beating anybody on their own patch.

Paul Doswell has conceded in the National League title race. Macclesfield Town won’t be caught now according to the U’s boss. Those comments came after Sutton’s disastrous 3-0 home defeat to Bromley - a game that was broadcast live on BT Sport. Even if the title is beyond them now, they’ll need to find some form heading into the play-offs.

Chester v Tranmere Rovers

A derby game always means more and the result of this one could have big ramifications for both clubs.

Chester look doomed despite some battling performances recently against the likes of leaders Macclesfield Town and promotion-chasing Sutton United. They’re ten points from safety and would realistically need to win at least four of their remaining five fixtures and that’s a big ask. Marcus Bignot is leaving in the summer so a win over Tranmere would at least give him and the club’s fans something to remember.

The title is surely out of Tranmere’s reach now so it’s all about finishing as high as possible for Micky Mellon’s men. They have two games in hand over their rivals and a second or third-place finish looks on the cards. That would give them home advantage in the play-offs too - a big thing considering their impressive record at Prenton Park. A win over rivals Chester would be an added bonus.

Ebbsfleet United v Macclesfield Town

This weekend’s BT Sport fixture comes from the Kuflink Stadium with both clubs desperate for the three points.

Daryl McMahon says it will still be a big ask for the Fleet to gatecrash the National League play-offs but they have given themselves a chance. The last-gasp win over Kent rivals Dover Athletic on Easter Monday will give them plenty of confidence as they head into two difficult home games against the Silkmen and Wrexham. They have games in hand still so don’t bet against the Fleet.

Macclesfield could realistically take a big step towards promotion on Saturday. Ebbsfleet have won five of their last seven games and will provide a stern test but the Silkmen have had all the answers in recent weeks. They are finding ways to grind out victories - the hallmark of champions. A victory on Saturday and another Sutton slip-up could put them 12 points clear with four to play.

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National League Fixtures - Saturday, April 7th

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

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