Vanarama Make Their Team Of The Weekend Picks!

We were at The Hive to see the Bees’ 3-0 destruction of Maidenhead United. Elsewhere, FGR needed a stoppage-time Christian Doidge equaliser to draw 1-1 at Altrincham.

Meanwhile, York were beaten by Boston United for the second time this season.

Having lost manager Matt Taylor to Solihull Moors in the week, Wealdstone slipped into the bottom four by losing 2-0 at AFC Fylde who are now behind the Stones on goal difference.

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

AFC Fylde gave their survival hopes a shot in the arm by beating fellow strugglers Wealdstone 2-0. Goalkeeper Ben Winterbottom is included after completing 23/26 passes while recording his fourth clean sheet of the season.

For the second time this season, Boston United beat York City, 3-1 at the Jakemans Community Stadium. Jai Rowe got an assist from right-back for the Pilgrims while succeeding in eight of 12 defensive actions.

Luca Woodhouse is quickly settling into life at Aldershot Town. He scored one and made the other as the Shots drew 2-2 against Tamworth. The Wycombe Wanderers loanee completed more ball recoveries (35) and won more loose ball duels (7) than any other centre-back on Matchday 29.

George Langston marked his 100th National League appearance by inspiring Braintree Town to a crucial 1-0 win over Ebbsfleet United. He had 21 defensive actions (3rd among all centre-backs), succeeding in 20. Nobody in his position recorded more interceptions (11).

Oldham Athletic picked up a credible 1-1 draw at playoff rivals Gateshead to remain a place behind the Tynesiders in fifth. Jake Leake completed all 10 of his defensive actions successfully while winning all five of his defensive duels – no wing-back managed more.

Southend United’s goalscoring supremo Gus Scott-Morriss was back on the scoresheet for the second time in four games as the Shrimpers won their Essex derby 2-0 at Dagenham and Redbridge.

He recorded three shots (2nd among all right-backs) while recording the second-most interceptions (7) of anyone in his position.

Sutton United boosted their playoff hopes by winning 1-0 against Eastleigh. Finley Barbrook caught the eye for the hosts, completing the fourth-most forward passes (15) of any central midfielder in the league. He posted an 88.9% overall pass completion.

FC Halifax Town gave new Solihull Moors boss Taylor the worst-possible start, winning 2-0 at Damson Park. Owen Bray made one and scored the other for the visitors who are only outside the top seven on goal difference. Bray completed all seven of his defensive actions successfully and a cross.

Rochdale’s 4-0 win over Yeovil Town keeps them in the playoff places and made it three straight home wins in the Vanarama National League. Leon Ayinde got the third for Dale who haven’t lost at home in the league since October 19.

Barnet have been sharing the goals around since selling talisman Nicke Kabamba to EFL League Two Bromley. Callum Stead was on the scoresheet during Saturday’s rampant 3-0 win over Maidenhead United. He received more passes (29) than any other striker, as well as taking six penalty area touches.

Dan Creaney reached 10 for the season in Tamworth’s 2-2 draw at Aldershot Town. Yet he still managed more interceptions (10), loose ball duels (27) and successful loose ball duels (1) than any other striker on Saturday.

Vanarama National League North

Johnny Johnston had a debut to remember for Buxton at Marine on Saturday. The winger joined on Thursday after scoring 11 times for Redditch United in the Southern Premier League Central.

The 21-year-old was the toast of the Bucks by full-time on Saturday after scoring twice in a 4-1 rout, becoming the first Buxton player to net a brace on debut since Lee Morris in 2012.

Declan Weeks scored one and made another as Chester went top of the pile with their fifth straight Vanarama National League North win.

He completed 35/44 passes, recording the second-most forward passes (22) of any central midfielder in the division on the day.

Eliot Putman set Peterborough Sports on their way to an impressive 3-1 home win over King’s Lynn Town. As well as opening the scoring, the centre-back was successful in 14/16 defensive actions and bagged 10 interceptions.

Vanarama National League South

Hemel Hempstead Town’s impressive turnaround under Lee Allinson continues apace. It’s now three wins in a row for the Tudors after beating Truro City 3-0.

Brandon Barzey was unlucky to miss out on Team of the Week honours after impressing us in person during the 4-1 destruction of Slough Town recently. But we can’t ignore his brace or a division-best xG of 1.28 for a winger. He also succeeded in all 10 of his defensive actions.

On the other flank we’ve had to crowbar in Luke Spokes, hero of Chippenham Town’s 4-1 win at leaders Boreham Wood. Spokes scored two beauties for the visitors, the first an outside-of-the-boot half volley, the second direct from a free-kick.

He also completed 38/45 passes for the Bluebirds with 15 of those going forward – the joint-third most of any central midfielder in the South.

Aveley left it late to see off Farnborough 2-1 with both goals arriving in the final four minutes. Tyrese Owen was the stoppage-time match winner, ending a run of eight games without a league win.

He completed 26/31 passes for the Millers and was successful in seven of 10 defensive duels for the Millers.