Vanarama Make Their Team Of The Weekend Picks!

Elsewhere, there was drama aplenty as Yeovil Town won 4-3 at AFC Fylde in a topsy-turvy encounter. Boston United were 3-0 winners at Sutton United while Altrincham crushed winless Ebbsfleet United 4-0.

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

There’s a feeling of Déjà vu at York City where, for the second weekend in succession, Adam Hinshelwood’s men won 2-0 on the road.

Wealdstone were vanquished on Saturday with Rory Watson keeping a clean sheet for City. As well as saving all four of the Stones’ four on-target efforts, he completed 86.4% of his passes to rank sixth among all keepers on Matchday 7.

Rochdale turned on the style in front of the DAZN cameras to beat high-scoring Aldershot Town 2-0 on their own turf in the late game.

Wing-back Tobi Adebayo-Rowling provided the assist for Dale’s opener, crossing for Kairo Mitchell to convert smartly.

It’s now three straight wins for Forest Green Rovers – something they could not manage in the whole of last season – after a 1-0 victory at Solihull Moors.

Centre-back Ryan Innis didn’t put a foot wrong at the Armco Arena, succeeding in all 10 of his defensive actions. On top of that, he won 6/8 aerial duels and recorded four interceptions.

Next to him, Dom Bernard would have been lining up for FGR last season. But the defender joined Yeovil Town on Friday and quickly endeared himself to Glovers fans.

In a rollercoaster of a game at AFC Fylde, the visitors ran out 4-3 winners having been 2-0 down. The match winner? Bernard, three minutes from time.

For the third game in a row, Braintree Town played out a stalemate. Joe Grimwood played his part in securing a goalless draw against Woking, successfully completing 100% of his defensive actions. No centre-back won more loose ball duels (4).

Will Gateshead be stopped any time soon? The Heed were 2-0 winners over Barnet in an early top-of-the-table clash to hold onto top spot.

Kain Adom got the hosts’ second shortly after the restart. No wing-back in the National League attempted (15) or won (6) more attacking duels.

Dagenham and Redbridge picked up a point on their travels at Maidenhead United, drawing 1-1.

Tim Akinola starred for the visitors, completing 55 of 60 passes attempted at York Road. Only two central midfielders attempted or completed more.

Nick Haughton continued his outstanding personal season, even as AFC Fylde lost a seven-goal thriller against Yeovil Town.

A brace from eight shots – more than any other No.10 in the division – makes Haughton the National League’s top scorer with seven. His double came against an expected goals (xG) value of just 0.74.

Boston United are certainly enjoying their travels this season. Hot on the heels of their 2-0 win at York City to open their account, the Pilgrims were 3-0 winners at Sutton United on Matchday 7.

Striker Jacob Hazel bagged a brace for the visitors from just four touches in the hosts’ penalty area. His xG tally of just 0.95 suggests some impressive finishing on his part, too!

Vanarama National League North

Chorley centre-back Mark Ellis is already on track to better the seven goals he bagged last season. The 35-year-old scored the Magpies’ winner as they beat Kidderminster Harriers 2-1.

That was his third of the season already and only added to an already impressive display. Ellis won 16/23 aerial duels at Victory Park – more than any other centre-back in National League North for both metrics.

After four straight losses, Buxton picked up a welcome win, beating Rushall Olympic 2-0. Winger Josh Popoola might not have scored, but he assisted both goals. Popoola completed 6/7 dribbles and 2/3 crosses.

Chester made it six unbeaten with a 1-0 win over South Shields, courtesy of striker Tom Peers.

It was his defensive work that really set the tone for the Seals, though. Peers was successful in 15/16 defensive actions – more than any other striker – winning 10/11 duels and recording four interceptions.

Vanarama National League South

Ricky Holmes is fast becoming a regular in the South Team of the Week. The former Sheffield United man scored one and made another for Spencer’s Day side as they beat Salisbury 3-1.

The veteran midfielder, now 37, completed a league-best nine of 16 dribbles for a player in his position, while recording more progressive runs (8) than any other attacking midfielder.

Maidstone United laid down a timely reminder of their credentials at newly promoted Enfield Town, winning 4-1 to pick up their first win since the opening day.

Summer signing Aaron Blair – who fired Braintree Town to promotion with 16 goals in the South last term – nabbed a clinical hat-trick for George Elokobi’s side, pictured.

Hemel Hempstead Town are the story of the National League South season so far and sit atop the table after a 1-0 win at Slough Town, who had been at unbeaten home in the league for over a year.

Debutant Jordan Espirit impressed after being re-united with former boss Bobby Wilkinson – signing from Bracknell Town on Friday.