The Bees have now won five of their last seven in the Vanarama National League to go two points clear at the summit.
Elsewhere, Oldham Athletic came from 2-0 down at home to Wealdstone to win 3-2 late on. Fellow promotion hopefuls Gateshead were 4-0 winners over Woking who promptly parted company with manager Michael Doyle.
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
Craig Ross has long been one of the National League’s best stoppers and he underlined his credentials again on Saturday as Maidenhead United drew 1-1 against Solihull Moors. With four saves from five shots faced, only one keeper made more stops on Matchday 22. Moors created chances worth 2.41 expected goals (xG).
There was a welcome 1-0 win for Dagenham & Redbridge over Rochdale at Victoria Road with Oscar Rutherford starring for the Daggers. He attempted more defensive actions (21) than any other right-back on Saturday – a sign of the visitors’ threat – while contesting more defensive duels (15) than anyone in his position.
Tamworth do not lose at home. They haven’t been beaten at the Lamb Ground since September 28 – including in the FA Cup – so they weren’t about to let York City end that run. It was centre-back Jordan Cullinane-Liburd who got the Lambs’ stoppage-time leveller to earn a precious point, to go with five interceptions and seven successful defensive actions.
We’ve had to crowbar Yeovil Town’s Michael Smith in at centre-half despite being a full-back. But we couldn’t overlook his display in the Glovers’ 3-1 win over Braintree Town. No right-back picked up more interceptions than his 13. He was successful in 17/20 defensive actions overall, ranking second in his position.
Another right-back we’ve had to fit in is York City’s Joe Felix who played further forward in his side’s 1-1 draw at Tamworth. He managed more successful defensive actions (18), won more defensive duels (12) and completed more ball recoveries (14) than any other wing-back on MD22.
Another wing-back who caught the eye was Gateshead’s Luke Hannant. He was at the double for the Tynesiders in their 4-0 against Woking, ending Doyle’s Kingfield tenure. No wing-back had more shots (7) and he ranked second for penalty area touches (7) and dribbles completed (5/7).
Barnet boss Dean Brennan was named Manager of the Month for November but dodged any talk of a ‘curse’ with a resounding 4-1 win over Ebbsfleet United. Mark Shelton was on target for the Bees and had more shots (7) than any other central midfielder on Saturday, as well as more touches in the opposition’s penalty area (3).
Matty Kosylo put in a tireless display as Altrincham avenged Sutton United’s 5-0 win earlier in the season by winning 1-0 at home. The winger recorded the most successful defensive actions (13), defensive duels won (9) or attempted (12) of any winger on the day.
FC Halifax Town have been better on the road than at home this season and won 4-2 at Aldershot Town with Andrew Oluwabori on target. He completed four progressive runs – ranking third versus all wingers – and took the third-most shots (3).
Josh Stones was Oldham Athletic’s two-goal hero as the Latics came from 2-0 down to beat Wealdstone. The Stones had won both of their two prior visits to Boundary Park and looked to be on for a third before Stones’ double.
Eastleigh boss Kelvin Davis deployed wideman Tyrese Shade up top at AFC Fylde and the decision paid off with a double. He recorded more shots than any other striker on Saturday (4) as well as leading the division for dribbles attempted (6) and completed (5).
Vanarama National League North
Curzon Ashton are top of the pile in Vanarama National League North after a 3-0 win over South Shields, inspired by Isaac Buckley-Ricketts.
Splitting his time between the wing and up front, the 26-year-old scored one and was a threat throughout. He had three touches in the opposition box, tried five dribbles and received 20 passes.
Luke Brennan was at the double as Buxton won 2-1 at Farsley Celtic on Matchday 22. He attempted three shots (ranking third among all wide midfielders) and recorded the most successful dribbles (5). No wide midfielder completed more passes (25) either.
Wing-back Riccardo Calder contributed in all phases of play as ten-man Brackley Town beat Chester 2-1.
He attempted more final-third passes (10) than any other wing-back in North, as well as more crosses (3) and through passes (3). Defensive duties weren’t neglected, winning 6/10 defensive duels and completing 10/14 defensive actions.
Vanarama National League South
It’s now eight in his last five all-competition matches for Boreham Wood hitman Kwesi Appiah whose goals have propelled his side into second placed in Vanarama National League South. A double against 10-man Chesham United means the Wood are now just a point off top under new old boss Luke Garrard.
Hemel Hempstead Town bit the bullet in the week, replacing Bobby Wilkinson with highly rated Hendon boss Lee Allinson.
He got off to the perfect start at Vauxhall Road as the Tudors clinched their first League win in 13, beating Weymouth 3-0. Brandon Barzey was restored to his favoured wide role and scored twice for the hosts.
Maidstone United haven’t lost in the League since September 3 and defeat former leaders Truro City 2-0. Right-back Charlie Seaman completed all three of his dribbles as well as trying three shots for George Elokobi’s men – more than anyone else in his position on MD22.
He was successful in 100 per cent of his defensive actions and defensive duels, too, picking up six interceptions.
PHOTO BY GRAHAM SCAMBLER