Vanarama Make Their Team Of The Weekend Picks!

The rampant Bees were 4-0 winners at Rochdale – building on their 3-1 midweek win over York – while the Minstermen needed a stoppage-time leveller to draw 2-2 with FC Halifax Town.

FGR also had to come from behind, drawing 1-1 at home to a much-improved Woking side.

At the bottom, AFC Fylde secured a 2-1 win at Altrincham under interim boss David Longwell. Wealdstone’s revival continued with a third straight victory – 4-2 at home to Ebbsfleet United.

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

Altrincham were 13 unbeaten at the J Davidson Stadium before Saturday. Then AFC Fylde rolled into town fresh from parting company with Kevin Phillips and ended the Robins’ proud home record. Ben Winterbottom gets the nod for helping secure the Coasters’ second consecutive away win.

In a season where English right-backs with doubled-barrelled surnames are making headlines, Southend United star Gus Scott-Morriss is doing his bit in the Vanarama. The Shrimpers defender secured a point in a 1-1 draw at Tamworth, taking his tally to 14 for the season. Three of those have come in the last four.

Skipper Callum Howe was York’s hero, bagging an equaliser in the 10th minute of stoppage time against Halifax. He won the second-most aerial duels (11) of any centre-back on MD33, as well as recording six interceptions and successfully completing 100% of his defensive actions.

After going nine without a league win, it’s two in a week for Yeovil Town who were 2-0 victors at Maidenhead United. We’ve made space for Alex Whittle at centre-back after he completed more crosses (2) than any other left-back on Saturday. Overall, he had 23/28 passes that connected with a Glovers team-mate.

Dagenham & Redbridge’s wait for a first win since Lewis Young was appointed permanent manager goes on but a 2-2 draw at home to Oldham Athletic points to improvement. Oscar Rutherford provided an assist from left-back while completing more dribbles (3) than anyone in his position. He also completed eight final-third passes (1st) and 15 forward passes (2nd).

Luke Hannant added two more penalties to his tally to reach 13 for the season. The Gateshead wing-back received more passes (35) than anyone in his position, attempted more crosses (7) and supplied more shot assists (3) too.

Woking continue to impress under new boss Neal Ardley, taking a point away from the New Lawn against Forest Green. Harry Beautyman got the goal and had more penalty area touches (5) than any other attacking midfielder on MD33. He was No.1 for passes completed (30) and had the second-best pass completion rate, at 96.8%.

Eastleigh are back into playoff contention after a third straight win, this time 2-1 at Boston United. Jake Taylor struck for the Spitfires while contributing five interceptions.

A brace from loanee Harrison Sohna helped Wealdstone to a big 4-2 win over embattled Ebbsfleet at Grosvenor Vale with one of those a sumptuous free-kick. Sohna completed 40/50 passes attempted for the Stones and six of 10 final-third passes. Only one midfield er could top his seven ball recoveries in the opposing half.

Barnet have hit their stride at the crucial time, taking playoff hopefuls Rochdale apart 4-0. Rhys Browne got the Bees’ second, racking up four shots at the Crown Oil Arena. He had five touches in the Dale box and won more attacking duels (8) than any other striker on Saturday.

Josh Barrett helped Aldershot Town to a much-needed 3-2 win over out-of-form Hartlepool United. He received more passes than any other striker this weekend (20), as well as making more of his own (20). Five of those went into the final third and seven went forward – ranking 1st in both for strikers.

Vanarama National League North

Spennymoor Town legend Glen Taylor hit his 13th and 14th goals of the season to help Spenny record an impressive 3-1 win at Kidderminster Harriers in National League North.

It’s now six in his last five in all competitions for the 34-year-old forward, who has scored in five consecutive games for the County Durham outfit.

South Shields beat Needham Market 1-0 with David Carson providing the foundations in midfield. He completed 45/49 passes attempted, with 11/13 going into the final third, and won 4/5 defensive duels.

Laurie Walker helped Oxford City to a precious point with a 0-0 draw against title-chasing Scunthorpe United, halting a four-game losing streak.

He made four saves for the Hoops on his second home debut while succeeding in both of his aerial duels. Walker’s 88.9% pass completion was the third highest among keepers in the North.

Vanarama National League South

For the second time in a week, George Alexander was Eastbourne Borough’s hat-trick hero. He struck thrice at Enfield Town in midweek and added another three in a topsy-turvy 3-3 draw with Hemel Hempstead Town. It’s now 18 for the season for the Sports hitman.

Bottom side Weymouth completed a league double over Aveley with a 4-1 home win. Central midfielder Jake McCarthy got his fifth of the season, successfully completing 10/14 defensive actions and succeeding in all three of the dribbles he attempted.

Charlie Seaman was on target as Maidstone United breezed past Bath City 3-0. He attempted more shots (3) than any other wing-back in the South and ranked third in his position for completed passes (18).

PHOTO BY IAN MORSMAN