Vanarama Make Their Team Of The Weekend Picks!

Bromley joined an exclusive club of teams to take points from the Spireites with a dramatic 4-3 at Hayes Lane headlining Matchday 34.

Elsewhere, Ebbsfleet United began life under Danny Searle with a 3-0 win over Eastleigh – which spelled the end of Richard Hill’s second stint as Spitfires boss.

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

Southend United halted their three-game losing streak with a goalless draw at Oxford City, thanks in no small part to goalkeeper Collin Andeng-Ndi. The pick of his saves came to deny Aaron Williams-Bushell in the second half.

After consecutive draws as interim boss, Ebbsfleet United turned to Searle on a permanent basis this week. Skipper Luke O’Neill immediately rewarded his new manager with a goal in that 3-0 win at Eastleigh.

No centre-back attempted more crosses (7) while O’Neill topped the charts for dribbles attempted (4) and completed (3).

Another new gaffer making a swift impact is Hartlepool United’s Kevin Phillips. Pools won 3-1 against Boreham Wood with Luke Waterfall among the scorers.

The experienced defender, 33, completed a higher percentage of his passes (96.9%) than all but one National League centre-back this weekend.

On the left, Ollie Harfield helped Aldershot Town get back to winning ways in front of the TNT Sports cameras, beating playoff rivals Altrincham 2-0. It was Harfield who got the assist for Tyler Frost’s opener with a cross from the left.

Dejan Tetek has been patient in waiting for his chance since joining the Shots in October. But he impressed on Saturday as Tommy Widdrington’s side put their 5-0 home defeat to AFC Fylde behind them.

Barnet did their bit to ensure Fylde won’t dine out on that win, putting their hosts’ four-game winning streak to the sword with a 4-2 win at Mill Farm.

Harry Pritchard scored four times in six outings in December and January but hadn’t netted in five before the weekend. His equaliser setting the tone for Dean Brennan’s men to pick up a big win.

Also on target from midfield was Solihull Moors’ Callum Maycock. Andy Whing’s men won 2-1 at Rochdale to make it consecutive National League wins for the first time in 2024.

Only two central midfielders could better Maycock’s pass completion rate, finding a teammate with 95.1% of his passes at Spotland.

FC Halifax Town midfielder Florent Hoti got his second in as many outings for the Shaymen – and little wonder. No attacking midfielder could better his five shots on Matchday 34!

He also contributed defensively, winning more loose ball duels (7) than anyone else in his position.

Up front, Marcus Dinanga hit 20 for the season in all competitions in Gateshead’s 4-2 win at Wealdstone.

‘The Bear’ attempted more dribbles (7) than any other striker on Saturday, completing three.

Through the middle, Bromley’s timeless hitman Michael Cheek was at it again, scoring a hat-trick to hand leaders Chesterfield just their fourth defeat of the campaign.

Cheek was second among all strikers for shots on the day (7). No one could beat his nine penalty-area touches or an expected goals (xG) value of 1.87.

Completing our forward trio is Oldham Athletic’s Mike Fondop. Plenty of you felt he was hard done by missing out on Team of Midweek and, after a brace in the 3-1 win at Maidenhead United, we couldn’t ignore him!

It’s now three in his last two for Fondop who tied Cheek on nine penalty-box touches was. He also recovered possession in the Maidenhead half five times – more than any other striker on Saturday.

Vanarama National League North

Spennymoor Town avenged their defeat to North-East rivals Blyth Spartans in August by winning 2-0 on Saturday – their first home win since October 7!

Lebrun Mbeka ranked third among all National League North centre-backs for successful defensive actions (16). Of the eight defensive duels he attempted, he came out on top in all eight. Finally, 26 ball recoveries ranked second only to Blyth’s Finn Cousin-Dawson in the North.

Ben Tollitt has made a fast start to life at Chester after arriving on loan from Oldham Athletic for the rest of the season.

After Farsley Celtic scored early on Saturday, the winger got his new side level with his first goal for the Seals. He ranked first among all wide midfielders in the North for final-third passes completed (3) and succeeded with 2/3 dribbles.

Another match-up between two North-East outfits went the way of Darlington who thrashed nine-man South Shields 4-0.

Cedric Main took full advantage of the numerical disadvantage to score his first since joining from York City. No forward in the North attempted more dribbles (7) and he ranked third for completions (3).

Vanarama National League South

Yeovil Town continue apace at the National League North summit – but it took a Jake Wannell goal to get them past a stubborn Havant & Waterlooville, 1-0 on Saturday.

For the second weekend in a row, the centre-back was the Glovers’ hero, following his brace at Tonbridge Angels last weekend. Defensively, his contribution included a 100% success rate from his defensive actions as well as winning all four aerial duels he contested.

It’s just one defeat in 10 for Chelmsford City who are hot on the heels of second-placed Worthing after their 3-0 win at Eastbourne Borough.

Charlie Ruff might not have scored the game’s outstanding goal – check out Anthony Wordsworth’s audacious volley – but he was on target for the Clarets and won more loose ball duels than any attacking midfielders in the division.

Finally, and inevitably, it’s Ollie Pearce – yet again!

The Worthing striker too his tally to a frankly ridiculous 32 in 31 appearances this season with another hat-trick in the Rebels’ 4-1 win over Weymouth. His fourth of the season, no less!