Team Of The Weekend: The National League

The hectic period started in style on Saturday and there were a number of unexpected results.

Just Tranmere Rovers in the top ten won on a day where nothing was guaranteed across the division.

There were a number of excellent defensive performances this weekend and because of that we’re opting for a five-man defence.

Our 5-4-1 formation couldn’t work if we didn’t have a reliable player to hold the line - and we’ve certainly got the right man for the job.

We may speak with reporters and managers at the grounds to piece together our team but we always welcome fan-input - head over to twitter if you think we’ve made a festive faux pas with our seasonal selection of our super 16!

Goalkeeper: Mitch Walker (Dover Athletic)
When you keep a clean sheet at Wrexham this season, you usually don’t go home without the Man of the Match award. Walker was inspired at the Racecourse.

Defender: Adam Buxton (Tranmere)
They’re coming up on the inside! In-form Tranmere’s revival is well underway - a goal and an 8/10 performance from Adam Buxton really helped at Sutton United.

Defender: Shaun Pearson (Wrexham)
Won every header and defended superbly against Dover - an attack known throughout the division as one of the most tricky to keep quiet.

Defender: Bondz N’Gala (Leyton Orient)
His arrival has coincided with Orient’s recent recovery. A vital opening goal at Maidstone set the team on their way to another win.

Defender: Jimmy Dunne (Barrow)
Yet another away win for the Bluebirds, a goal and a great performance from the defender who will really be missed when he returns to Burnley next month. Can Barrow keep him?

Defender: Connor Essam (Dover Athletic)
Contributed to a great clean sheet at Wrexham as Dover deservedly came home from north Wales with an important point.

Midfielder: Chris Zebroski (Eastleigh)
It was the perfect start for new Spitfires boss Andy Hessenthaler as they won well at Dagenham. This man was outstanding.

Midfielder: Harry Pritchard (Maidenhead)
So often the Magpies’ unsung hero. He was great as the National League South champions completed the double over the Pools, a League Two club last year.

Midfielder: Danny Clarke (FC Halifax)
Halifax took months of frustration out on poor Chester, Clarke was involved in everything good about the Shaymen in a four-goal first half.

Midfielder: Connor Jennings (Tranmere)
Man of the Match at Sutton and the attacker earned special praise from Rovers manager Micky Mellon.

Striker Macauley Bonne (Leyton Orient)
Just where would Orient be without their talismanic top scorer? He notched again at Maidstone United - it’s now 12 for the season for the league’s joint top scorer.

Substitutes:

Josh McDonald (FC Halifax)

Liam Daly (Solihull Moors)

Alex Purver (Guiseley)

Danny Kedwell (Ebbsfleet United)

Sean Marks (Maidenhead United)