The New Year Starts In Fine Style With Breathless Matches

By Sam Elliott

The New Year got off to a flying start as we saw in 2024 in style with some thrillers to keep the fireworks going.

The live National League game was breathless as TNT Sports viewers watched Chesterfield take out their Boxing Day frustration on Solihull Moors.

Matt Warburton and Mark Beck put the Moors 2-0 ahead but Chesterfield nearly always score and they bit back.

Tom Naylor made it 2-1 and then within moments Ryan Colclough levelled it up. Will Grigg completed the turn around within five minutes and their lead is back seven points.

York City gave their season a big boost by beating Gateshead. Will Daniels, pictured, got them on their way.

AFC Fylde also handed themselves a chance - victory over Rochdale was secured thanks to a Danny Ormerod double.

Dorking Wanderers really needed a win as well and they got one. They left Oxford City with three points, Niall McManus and Sebastian Bowerman with the goals.

There was a hat-trick for Eastleigh’s Paul McCallum in a thriller with Dagenham. But Inih Effiong had the last laugh in a 4-4 draw.

It was derby delight for Aldershot Town as they left Woking 3-1 winners. Lorent Tolaj and Tyler Frost’s first half goals were added to by Jack Barham late on as they beat their big rivals.

In the big play-off games, FC Halifax Town and Altrincham fired blanks in a 0-0 draw.

Most of the sides near the National League South summit won in leaders Yeovil Town’s absence.

Hampton & RB defeated Slough Town late on, Ben Seymour their main man again. Worthing have scored more than anyone this season and eased to a 4-0 win at Eastbourne Borough.

Ollie Pearce, Nicky Wheeler, Ricky Aguiar and Joan Luque all scored.

Sam Corne was on the mark for Maidstone United as they beat Tonbridge. Charlie Ruff once again impressed as Chelmsford City crushed rivals Braintree.

St Albans City spun things on its head at Hemel. 2-0 down early on, Shaun Jeffers inspired a 3-2 victory at Vauxhall Road.

Elsewhere Havant & Waterlooville boosted their survival chances at Farnborough. James Roberts, Mo Faal, Harry Jewitt-White and Ryan Seager all scored.

Hereford couldn’t make it five National League North wins in a row as they could only draw at home to Gloucester City.

James Spencer was the star for Curzon Ashton as his two goals made sorry Southport pay the price.

An early Josh Amis strike settled it for Warrington as Mark Beesley haunted his old club Chester. Ayodeji Sotona got on the scoresheet as Boston United beat King’s Lynn Town 2-0.

Connor Hall hit a superb hat-trick as Brackley Town put pressure on the play-off places, they were too good for Banbury United while Liam Waldock helped Alfreton Town win at Buxton.

For all Monday’s results, click here.

Where next?

Rebel With A Cause George Honoured With An MBE Worthing’s fearless owner George Dowell was recognised in the New Year Honours list - and says he thought it was a scam!
What Happened On Saturday And What's Ahead Tomorrow Part one of the latest batch of end of year fixtures produced plenty of talking points - and Monday’s are sure to have even more.

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Woking (Home) - 24/25
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Woking (Home) - 24/25