Vanarama Make Their Team Of The Weekend Picks!

Every week, title sponsors Vanarama provide their Team of the Week and use this column to justify their selections.

Vanarama National League

Kidderminster Harriers are now just a point from safety after a third consecutive win under new boss Phil Brown – 1-0 at Dagenham and Redbridge. Goalkeeper Christian Dibble bagged his second straight shut-out for Harriers in the process.

Last season, Oxford City and Ebbsfleet United were National League South title rivals. This year, they’re battling an immediate return.

Andre Burley handed the Hoops a priceless 1-0 win on Saturday to end their three-game losing streak, and was successful in eight of his 11 defensive actions on the day.

The Michael Doyle era is up-and-running at Woking at the sixth attempt following a 1-0 win at Oldham Athletic.

Signed last week, Max Dyche ranked sixth among all National League centre-backs for successful aerial duels and third for duels contested. Dad Sean would doubtless approve!

Leaders Chesterfield laid down another reminder of their quality, breezing past Southend United – who won the reverse fixture – 3-0.

Tyrone Williams is the Spireites’ representative; successful in 12/15 defensive duels as well as recording eight interceptions for Paul Cook’s side.

On the right, Alex Newby stole the show as Altrincham trounced Eastleigh 4-0 to move into fourth.

He saw plenty of the ball – no winger received it more times (54) – and used it to devastating effect, scoring once, assisting a league-high four shots and completing more final-third passes (6) than any other winger on Saturday.

Charlie Carter is quickly making up for lost time after injury disrupted his start to life at Dorking Wanderers. Marc White’s men completed a League double over Boreham Wood on Saturday, winning 3-0 at Meadow Park.

It’s now two goals in three for Carter who enjoyed more penalty-area touches (5) than any other central midfielder. Impressively, he also led the way for loose ball duels attempted (7) and won (4).

Interim Wealdstone boss Alex Dyer finally got his first taste of management, beating FC Halifax Town 2-0 at Grosvenor Vale. Thanks to the appointment of David Noble on Friday, it’s back to playing duties!

Aaron Henry, recently re-signed from Charlton Athletic, ensured a 100% record for Dyer with the opener. He attempted 17 final-third passes (2nd) and assisted three shots (2nd).

Jayden Mitchell-Lawson is Alan Devonshire’s latest rough diamond and the tricky midfielder scored in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Solihull Moors – the Magpies’ first of 2024.

No midfielder attempted (9) or completed (5) more dribbles than the former Ayr United man, who recently extended his York Road stay.

A combination of injuries and key departures have made for a tough 2024 for Gateshead. But Rob Elliot’s men came from behind to beat playoff contenders Barnet 2-1.

Luke Hannant got the Tynesiders’ equaliser – but his defensive work helped seal the win. No winger recorded more interceptions while he was second for total defensive actions (14) and third for successes (11).

Injury meant Mani Dieseruvwe hadn’t played for a month before the weekend. Hartlepool United had missed their top scorer, who bagged goals 14 and 15 to secure a 2-1 win over York City.

New Pools boss Kevin Phillips knew a thing or two about hitting the back of the net and would surely have approved of the forward’s display – his first win as manager – which came from an expected goals (xG) value of 1.34, ranking second among all strikers.

The only player to beat him? Team of the Week strike partner Lorent Tolaj (1.66).

The Aldershot Town marksman scored once from a league-leading five attempts as the Shots overcame fellow playoff chasers Rochdale 3-1.

Vanarama National League North

On the weekend of his one-year anniversary as Scunthorpe United boss, Jimmy Dean returned to old side Peterborough Sports to win 1-0.

Cal Roberts got the goal but it was Will Evans’ resolute display that ensured victory. Successful in 100% of his defensive actions, Evans contested 24 aerial duels – more than any other centre-back in National League North – and won 18, ranking second.

Before last week, Gloucester City hadn’t won an away league game this season. Now it’s back-to-back road victories thanks to a 4-1 triumph at Bishop’s Stortford.

Veteran winger Elliott Durrell wasn’t among the scorers but no winger in the division attempted (16) or completed (8) more final-third passes. He was first for completed forward passes (14) and long passes (4) too.

Signed on loan on Friday, Alfreton Town debutant Gerry McDonagh made the perfect start to life at the Impact Arena by scoring a 90th-minute winner at Southport.

Leading 2-1 thanks to Marcus Carver’s first-half double, the Port contrived to lose in the final minutes as Jake Day equalised in the 88th before McDonagh’s last-gasp winner.

McDonagh’s seven penalty-area touches ranked joint-third among all National League North strikers.

Vanarama National League South

Maidstone United’s incredible FA Cup journey continued on Saturday as they won at Championship promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town 2-1 to reach the 5th Round for the first time in their history.

Goalkeeper Lucas Covolan had to be at his best as the Tractor Boys laid siege on the Stones’ goal, registering 38 attempts – 13 of which were on target – and an xG value of 5.06. By contrast, George Elokobi’s men had two shots and scored with both.

Covolan made 12 saves to help set up a trip to one of Coventry City or Sheffield Wednesday.

Speaking to the BBC at full-time, Elokobi said: "Lucas was one of my last signings 48 hours before the league started.

"In games like this, big games, he commands the box and leads by example. He has kept us in so many games this season and that was exceptional.

"Amazing from him but exceptional performances from the entire group of players."

In midfield, Anthony Grant rolled back the years as Welling United won 2-1 at Hemel Hempstead Town.

The former Chelsea midfielder, 36, ranked second among all National League South central midfielders for defensive actions attempted (22) and won (18). He was also joint-second for interceptions (8).

Up top, Worthing forward Danny Cashman continued his hot streak with a brace to make it four goals in as many games as the Mackerel Men beat Torquay United 4-2.