The Best Of Boxing Day In The National League North

There are several Boxing Day local derby clashes taking place and we have had a look at some of the stand-out games taking place, writes Tom Feaheny.

We have picked out three matches with plenty on the line.

North Ferriby United V York City

This is an early kick-off with the match taking place at 12:30 - and it's fair to say both teams need to pick-me-up and fast.

Last season North Ferriby United and York City shared a win a piece in the National League, but are now both in the league below.

This season the Villagers know only a dramatic up turn in results will keep them up, while City look to fight for promotion.

The Villagers are currently on seven points for the season and despite encouraging displays in matches know they need to pick up their form if they have any chance of staying in the league.

The Minstermen are out of the play-off places and lost to Blyth Spartans at home in their last match, with Martin Gray admitting they need to get better results quickly.

Boston United V Gainsborough Trinity

For Boston United and Gainsborough Trinity, there is added importance to their matches with the fight to stay in the Vanarama National League North a priority, the Pilgrims boss Craig Elliott knows a win against Trinity would significantly help his side and so does Trinity manager Dave Frecklington.

Just a point and place separates the two teams who are both above the drop zone at present, it has been a good run for Elliott's side who have won their last three matches while Trinity have won one then lost one in their last five league matches.

Trinity gained victory against Boston United in the Lincs Senior Cup final just over a month ago.

Blyth Spartans V Spennymoor Town

A local derby featuring two sides who both went up last season and are in the play-off places in Blyth Spartans V Spennymoor Town, these teams know a lot about each other and there is the chance these sides could meet at the end of the campaign as well.

Spartans gained an impressive win away at York City during their last game and now have a four point gap over Town after they went from 4-1 up against FC United of Manchester but drew 4-4.

The two teams have both impressed in the Vanarama National League North and will be hoping their second-half of the season can be just as impressive as they both look towards a potential promotion at the end of this campaign.

National League North Boxing Day fixtures in full:

Nuneaton v Tamworth 12pm
North Ferriby v York City 12.30pm
Bradford PA v Curzon Ashton 1.30pm
AFC Telford v Kidderminster
Blyth Spartans v Spennymoor
Gainsborough v Boston United
Chorley v Southport
Darlington v Harrogate Town
FC United v Salford City
Leamington v Brackley
Stockport County v Alfreton

Photo by Ian Parker