Vanarama Make Their Team Of The Weekend Picks!

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

Vanarama National League

So impressive was Oldham Athletic’s Mathew Hudson that several Dorking Wanderers fans highlighted his display in the Latics’ 1-0 win at Meadowbank.

Seven saves for the visitors was more than any other National League keeper this weekend with Wanderers’ chances worth 1.42 expected goals (xG).

At right-back, Maidenhead United’s Zico Asare helped shutout promotion-chasing Bromley in a goalless draw. Successful in 18 of 19 defensive actions – more than anyone else in his position – the 22-year-old also completed a league-high 10 interceptions.

In the centre, James Clarke lived up to his ‘Wirrall Cafu’ moniker by scoring in Solihull Moors’ 3-0 win over Woking. No centre-back had more penalty-area touches (3) than the 23-year-old who ranked 10th among his peers for completed passes with 46.

Boreham Wood signed Josh Staunton to beef up their backline – and that’s exactly what the former Yeovil Town defender has done. The Wood have collected four points from his two outings, including a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s TNT Sports clash with York City.

Completing the back four is Altrincham’s Lewis Baines who helped Alty avenge September’s 3-0 defeat at Barnet with a 3-2 win. It was the fourth time this season the 25-year-old has found the back of the net. Defensively, Baines ranked eighth for successful defensive actions among all centre-halves.

Ebbsfleet United clinched their first win in five games, beating Wealdstone 2-0 at the Kuflink Stadium. Midfielder Ousseynou Cissé opened the scoring for the Fleet. But it was his defensive work that caught the eye. No central midfielder recorded more interceptions (10) or more successful defensive actions (17).

Next to him, Anthony Mancini made his first league start since August due to injury and quickly reminded Hartlepool United why he has been missed.

A 2-1 win over Oxford City was Pools’ first since November 18. Mancini attempted more shots (6), completed more dribbles (10) and took more touches in the penalty area (12) than any central midfielder.

We’ve pushed Gus Scott-Morriss forward to right midfield to squeeze him in. But with a brace in Southend United’s impressive 3-0 win over FC Halifax Town, it’s clear why!

Unsurprisingly, the full-back took more shots (3) than anyone in his position and more touches in the opposition’s penalty area (8) as the Shrimpers got back to winning ways after a disappointing Christmas.

Also in attacking midfield berth is Eastleigh’s Chris Maguire, scorer of the penalty which forced an FA Cup 3rd Round replay for the Spitfires. Down to 10 men at League 2 Newport County, Maguire converted from 12 yards to ensure Richard Hill’s side are in the hat.

Next to him, we’ve got Rochdale hitman Tyrese Sinclair who scored an impetuous lob in Dale’s 2-0 win over Kidderminster Harriers. The wide forward attempted (6) and completed (4) more dribbles than anyone else in his position while winning 6/17 attacking duels – both league highs for wide midfielders.

Completing the National League XI is Solihull Moors’ in-form frontman Mark Beck. The 29-year-old had four in his last seven and made that five in eight by rounding off Moors’ scoring in the 3-0 win over Woking.

Vanarama National League North

In National League North it was all about the forwards – none more so than Scarborough Athletic’s Harry Green.

It’s now five in his last three for the 22-year-old who notched a hat-trick in the Seadogs’ 3-0 win over Hereford. Those goals came from a league-high six shots but, impressively, an xG value of just 0.77.

Harry Gardiner only signed for Blyth Spartans from North-East giants Sunderland on Friday and quickly repaid Jon Shaw’s faith with a goal in the 3-1 win at Bishop’s Stortford. It’s now two wins from two for former Spartans striker Shaw who replaced Graham Fenton over the festive period.

Completing the frontline is Scunthorpe United hitman Danny Elliott. The former Boreham Wood striker is now up to six for the season. He recorded an xG of 2.02 as the Iron drew 2-2 with Boston United – more than anyone in National League North, or South!

Vanarama National League South

Maidstone United stole the headlines this weekend and rightly so.

Already into the FA Cup 3rd Round for the first time since 1988, the competition’s lowest-ranked team beat League 1 Stevenage 1-0 at the Gallagher Stadium thanks to a nerveless Sam Corne spot-kick.

The Stones now face an anxious wait to discover their 4th Round opponents with the draw taking place tonight (Monday 8).

Hemel Hempstead Town’s George Williams is currently enjoying a rich vein of form and took his tally to five goals in his last three with a brace in the 3-2 win at Chippenham Town.

No attacking midfielder in the South attempted more shots (4) or completed more dribbles than the 28-year-old (3) who was second for progressive runs (3) too.

Shaq Coulthirst has enjoyed his time on loan at Braintree Town after joining from Ebbsfleet United. A brace helped the Iron end Hampton & Richmond’s 15-game unbeaten run into the bargain.