Vanarama National League: Something For New Year’s Day

We’re welcomed into the new year by a full programme of action and we could see a few fireworks if Boxing Day is anything to go by!

Every game is important at this stage of the season but we’ve picked out three that could really have big implications for our sides.

Bromley v Ebbsfleet United

There’s a reason that BT Sport have picked this game as their first televised match of 2018. Both sides are sitting just outside the play-off places and they will both be aiming to be in them come the season’s end. There is also a heated rivalry in place so three points would be the perfect New Year’s gift. Bromley won at Leyton Orient on Saturday whilst Ebbsfleet were denied late on by Dagenham & Redbridge - this is a tough one to call.

Hartlepool United v Gateshead

Over 3,500 fans saw these two face off in Gateshead on Boxing Day and they were treated to a 2-2 draw. Both clubs have underperformed this season but with the play-offs going down to seventh, they will know that a good run could easily see them get back into contention. They’ve both got plenty of quality in their sides so three points to kick off the new year could be just the thing they need to start climbing the National League table.

Woking v Aldershot

The Shots took the local bragging rights on Boxing Day with a 3-1 victory and Woking will want to put that right on Monday. The Cards have been a bit flat since their FA Cup exit at Peterborough, losing to Barrow and the Shots before a 2-2 draw at Eastleigh on Saturday. Aldershot themselves have been inconsistent as of late but still sit second in the table. A morale-boosting derby victory could be a big shot in the arm for either side as they look to kick on in 2018.

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National League Fixtures

AFC Fylde v Tranmere Rovers
Bromley v Ebbsfleet United (7.45pm)
Dagenham & Redbridge v Leyton Orient
FC Halifax Town v Macclesfield Town
Guiseley v Chester
Hartlepool United v Gateshead
Maidstone United v Dover Athletic
Solihull Moors v Maidenhead United
Sutton United v Boreham Wood
Torquay United v Eastleigh
Woking v Aldershot Town (1pm)
Wrexham v Barrow

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