Vanarama Make Their Team Of The New Year Picks!

In the chasing pack, Barnet slipped up and could only draw at Eastleigh while Forest Green Rovers march on, coming from behind to beat Yeovil Town 2-1 at the New Lawn.

Each week, title sponsors Vanarama provide their Team of the Week for the three divisions and use this column to justify their selections...

Vanarama National League

Centre-back Ryan Inniss was Forest Green Rovers’ unlikely hero on New Year’s Day. Steve Cotterill’s side left it late to overcome Yeovil Town, with Kyle McAllister levelling from the spot 14 minutes from time. Inniss struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time to secure the points.

Hartlepool United picked up a big scalp, becoming the first side to beat Oldham Athletic in eight National League games.

Pools are represented by scorers Luke Waterfall – who got the hosts’ equaliser – and match winner Anthony Mancini. That was just the Frenchman’s second goal of the season for the Teessiders.

Dagenham & Redbridge began life without Ben Strevens with a 2-0 win at struggling Ebbsfleet United. Jake Hessenthaler got the Daggers’ second to clinch just their second away league win of the season.

What an impact Inih Effiong and Neal Ardley are having at Woking. The Cardinals’ new old boy bagged a brace in the 3-1 win over Maidenhead United to make it three in as many games since returning.

In that time, Woking have collected seven much-needed points under Ardley’s stewardship.

Conor Wilkinson enjoyed a fine end to 2024 for Solihull Moors and looks set to carry that form into 2025. He bagged a brace in Moors’ New Year’s Eve win over Tamworth to make it 11 in his final 11 all-competition fixtures last year!

Vanarama National League North

The big shock of the day in National League North came at Aggborough where Kidderminster Harriers had won five straight and were unbeaten since September 21.

Not anymore, thanks to Rushall Olympic. The Pics were 1-0 winners thanks to Kian Ryley and are represented by Joe Hull and Aaron Forde.

Scunthorpe United finished 2024 in style, brushing fellow promotion hopefuls King’s Lynn Town aside 3-0. Cal Roberts was on the scoresheet for the Iron – along with a Danny Whitehall double – taking his tally for the season to 12.

It’s now eight unbeaten for Darlington who have moved into the playoff places because of their upturn in form.

Cedric Main ensured they started 2025 with bragging rights, beating regional rivals South Shields 1-0.

Vanarama National League South

Boreham Wood striker Kwesi Appiah cannot stop scoring and even the arrival of Matt Rush from Sutton United prior to Wednesday could not stop him.

The strike duo shared all five of Wood’s goals against Slough Town on New Year’s Day with Appiah getting a hat trick and Rush a brace. It’s now 16 National League South goals this term for former.

It’s three wins in their last four on the road for Chippenham Town who overcame Weston-super-Mare 3-1. Will Dawes bagged a brace for the Bluebirds who are now 14 points clear of the relegation zone.

At the summit, Torquay United left it late to beat Truro City 1-0. Keeper James Hamon is included in our team, preserving a clean sheet after Jordan Thomas was dismissed seven minutes from time.