Something For The Weekend: Vanarama National League

Saturday will decide who makes it into the play-offs and which team will take the fourth and final relegation spot.

For some, the last eight months comes down to just 90 minutes. Points have never been so crucial - here are four games this weekend that will get the juices flowing.

Barrow v Chester

A vital game for the home side as Chester look to drag their hosts down with them.

Barrow’s point at Bromley in midweek means things are in their hands. If they win this weekend, they will remain in the National League - it’s as simple as that. Their home form hasn’t been great this season but Ady Pennock will be demanding the best from his team in their most important game of the year.

For Chester, it’s all about pride. They’ll be kicking off next season in the National League North and have given a few of their youngsters the chance to shine in the final few games. They will be playing with plenty of freedom and sometimes that can be very dangerous. If Barrow take the Blues for granted, they could be in for a shock.

Sutton United v Aldershot Town

The battle for third place and home advantage in the play-offs also comes down to the final day.

Sutton picked up a huge win at Ebbsfleet last Saturday to end a run of four defeats in five games. Their promotion push has stalled since they slipped out of the title picture and they will be desperate to go into the play-offs in good form and looking forward to another fixture at Gander Green Lane.

The Shots have also been going through some indifferent form of late. They’ve won just two of their last six games but know a win on Saturday will guarantee them third place. Their away form hasn’t been great recently but they could really give their promotion aspirations a big shot in the arm with a victory this weekend.

Woking v Dover Athletic

Arguably the biggest game of the weekend, it’s no surprise BT Sport have decided to show this one live.

Things are out of Woking’s hands now but all they can do is win and hope Chester do them a favour at Barrow. Due to their inferior goal difference, a point will be no good to the Cards so they will have to be positive going into this one. The late win at Guiseley last weekend was their first in over two months and now they need another.

Dover are in a similar position. Their destiny isn’t in their own hands and all they can do is put pressure on their fellow play-off hopefuls. A win still might not be enough and they’ll be hoping one of Ebbsfleet, AFC Fylde, Boreham Wood or Bromley slip up and allow them to sneak back into the top seven. The Whites have been in and around the play-off places all season so it would be a big blow to miss out.

Wrexham v AFC Fylde

Another fixture that will have big repercussions for the busy play-off race takes place in north Wales.

Wrexham’s terrible run has seen them not only fall out of the title race but out of the top seven entirely. Last weekend’s defeat at Leyton Orient extended their winless run to six games and the Dragons, realistically, need a minor miracle to now finish in the play-off places. They have really struggled since the departure of boss Dean Keates.

The Coasters are sitting in a good position, they’re sixth and have a very healthy goal difference. A point at the Racecourse Ground will most likely be enough for Dave Challinor’s men but his attacking side will be going for the three points. They’ve had two disappointing results against Maidstone and Solihull and will hope to finish on a high note and secure a top seven finish.

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National League Fixtures - Saturday, April 28th (All 12.30pm KO)

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

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