Vanarama Make Their Team Of The Weekend Picks!

Elsewhere, FGR dropped points at Southend United in a 2-2 draw, while Barnet eased past Woking 2-0.

Hartlepool United got a much-needed win, coming out on top by the odd goal in seven at Solihull Moors, while Gateshead crushed Maidenhead United 5-0 on their travels.

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

Boston United’s wait for their first home win is over after 239 days. Goalkeeper Aidan Stone was not caught out by the high winds – unlike opposite number Lucas Covolan – making five saves in the Pilgrims’ 3-1 triumph over Braintree Town.

Gateshead were 5-0 winners on the road at Maidenhead United but it’s centre-back Robbie Tinkler who makes the cut. No centre-half completed more passes than his 95 on MD18, while he was third for forward passes with 28.

There was no way through for Woking at Barnet, thanks in no small part to Adebola Oluwo. He was successful in all 15 of his defensive actions, while completing more interceptions (10) and winning more aerial duels (9) than any other central defender on Saturday.

It’s now five without defeat in the Vanarama National League for Wealdstone after their 1-1 draw at Eastleigh. Jaydn Mundle-Smith successfully completed 100% of his defensive actions and all his defensive duels for the visitors.

Oli Coker was on target as Southend United picked up a credible point against Forest Green Rovers. He ranked second among all central midfielders for ball recoveries with 14, eight of which were in the opposition’s half. He also succeeded in 9/10 defensive actions.

A brace for James Henry took his season’s tally to eight and secured a much-needed 2-1 win for Aldershot Town over Altrincham.

The 35-year-old's expected goals (xG) total of 1.12 was the best of anyone in his position on Saturday. His post-shot xG, which measures the likelihood of a shot going in based on its placement, was 1.72 which further underlines his quality.

Alex Hunt might not do the glamorous work but his part in this York City side cannot be overlooked, and he makes the cut after another tidy display in the engine room for the leaders.

Another veteran catching the eye in midfield is Gateshead’s Jacob Butterfield. The 34-year-old was also at the double for the Heed, receiving 34 passes (6th among central midfielders) while attempting a league-high seven shots for his position.

Hartlepool United did it the hard way at Solihull Moors, coming from 3-2 down to win 4-3. Joe Grey got his first goals since August 26, the second of which made it 3-3 within a minute of falling behind. No winger had more penalty area touches (5) or completed more defensive actions (15) than the Pools attacker.

A Dan Creaney double ensured Tamworth got back to winning ways, 2-1 over Dagenham and Redbridge. Those goals were his first since a prolific five-game streak between September 24 and October 19.

Ollie Pearce cannot be stopped. The former Worthing man took his York City tally to 12 with a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Yeovil. That is nine in his last six Vanarama National League games for the Minstermen who returned to the summit with his treble.

Vanarama National League North

Paul Blackett bagged a brace as South Shields ruthlessly dispatched Farsley Celtic 5-1.

No striker in National League North could better his xG of 1.19 while Blackett ranked second for shots (5) and third for penalty area touches (6) in his position group.

Scunthorpe United got back to winning ways, running out 2-0 victors at Leamington.

Callum Roberts bagged both goals for the Iron and no central midfielder attempted more shots (5) or completed more dribbles (5) than the 27-year-old playmaker.

Josh Coulson was imperious as King’s Lynn Town secured a 1-0 win over Southport.

He was successful in all nine of his defensive actions and all five of his defensive duels for the Linnets who put a stop to their four-game losing streak in all competitions.

Vanarama National League South

Harry Parsons ensured St. Albans City began life without outgoing boss David Noble with defeat, scoring twice at Clarence Park.

His double came from just two shots and four penalty area touches, contributing to an xG of 0.74. Lethal finishing from the Chips’ forward!

Two goals in the space of a minute secured an important 2-1 win for Truro City over high-flying Chesham United.

Will Dean supplied an assist for the hosts as well as completing 2/3 crosses and 6/12 final-third passes for the second-placed side who keep up the pressure on leaders Weston-super-Mare.

Rhys Lovett has been in inspired form for Welling United this season and helped preserve a 3-2 win over Slough Town with a string of saves.

The most impressive denied a Rebels forward from point-blank range when it looked easier to score. The hosts recorded chances worth 4.44 xG yet lost 3-2 to the Wings!