The Best of Boxing Day: Vanarama National League

You’ll have had enough of the in-laws and be desperate for some fresh air so it’s a good job the National League has plenty of action on offer.

We’ve picked out five festive crackers that will provide much more entertainment than Christmas movie re-runs!

Aldershot Town v Woking

Always a fierce derby, what better time to play it than Boxing Day? Both teams will be up for the battle and Woking boss Anthony Limbrick will want a reaction from Saturday’s home defeat to Barrow. Aldershot have been off colour as of late so both sides could do with a morale boosting three points.

Dover Athletic v Maidstone United

Dover picked up a valuable point at Wrexham on Saturday and they go into this Kent battle in good spirits. They are extremely hard to break down and Maidstone have struggled for goals. The Stones are winless in five League games and will need a big performance at Crabble.

Leyton Orient v Dagenham & Redbridge

The Justin Edinburgh effect is proving to be just what Orient needed. They’ve now won three in a row in all competitions following Saturday’s victory at Maidstone United. Free-scoring Dagenham & Redbridge suffered a shock home defeat to Eastleigh and will want to bounce back quickly.

Macclesfield Town v FC Halifax Town

The Silkmen are the Christmas number one in the National League and they’ll be looking to keep their cushion at the summit with victory over FC Halifax Town. That will be easier said than done, however. Halifax won at Aldershot two weeks ago and thrashed Chester 4-0 on Saturday - are they finally back to their best?

Tranmere Rovers v AFC Fylde

Tranmere fired a huge warning shot on Saturday when they left Gander Green Lane with all three points after a 3-1 victory at Sutton United. Micky Mellon’s men are on a roll but AFC Fylde will provide a stern test on Boxing Day. The Coasters are looking for consistency and a result at Prenton Park would be a huge bonus.

Boxing Day National League fixtures in full:

Leyton Orient v Dagenham 1pm
Aldershot v Woking
Barrow v Wrexham
Boreham Wood v Sutton United
Chester v Guiseley
Dover Athletic v Maidstone
Eastleigh v Torquay United
Ebbsfleet v Bromley
Gateshead v Hartlepool
Macclesfield v FC Halifax
Maidenhead v Solihull Moors
Tranmere Rovers v AFC Fylde

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