What Are The Key National League North Dates?

And as much as nobody can predict what's ahead, it's always fun to scroll through the fixtures and find some 'maybe' matches.

Can Hereford continue their promotion streak? Can Chester’s new joint managers bring their winning formula to their new club?

Whatever happens – we look at the standout games for the coming season as the excitement really builds following last week's big fixture release.

With ex-Salford City pair Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley dropping back into the National League North with Chester this season, it gives them the chance to reignite their battle with Darlington.

The Quakers battled with the duo for promotion during their time at Salford and Tommy Wright’s side will look to thwart their promotion plans once again as they look to improve on last seasons mid-table finish.

Darlington will also be coming up against another familiar face in the opposing dugout this season when ex-manager Martin Gray returns to Blackwell Meadows on Boxing Day with his Minstermen.

Marcus Bignot will also face his former employers this season – his Chester side dropped into the division under his stewardship and he now makes a fresh start as joint manager of Guiseley who themselves suffered relegation last time out. The relegated pair face off on September 1.

Rivalries aren’t always solely about bragging rights. For Stockport and Altrincham this season, promotion could also be on the line when they come up against each other.

Both sets of fans have different reasons to be optimistic and will be eager to settle their differences on Boxing Day.

Goals galore during the traditional festive fixtures last season for Spennymoor and Blyth Spartans. The local pair will lock horns again on December 26 and January 1.

Moors took the spoils from both games last season – winning 3-1 and 3-2 – and will be looking to repeat that as both sides eye play-off places.

REPORT BY TOM SCOTT