What Happened On New Year's Day In The National League

Fans welcomed in 2025 with some brilliant crowds and great matches, and one thing doesn’t look like it will be changing any time soon. The title race is going to keep twisting and turning!

York City go top after they beat Gateshead 1-0 in the big game between two EFL hunters. Marvin Armstrong’s first-half goal made it six wins from six at the LNER for the Minstermen.

It looked to be dropped points for all their title rivals, but Forest Green beat ten man Yeovil Town late on, Ryan Inniss won it in the fourth minute of time added on after Kyle McAllister’s penalty restored parity.

Barnet couldn’t manage to beat Eastleigh and hold onto top spot, Callum Stead taking a point home from the Silverlake.

Oldham Athletic were defeated at Hartlepool United, Luke Waterfall and Anthony Mancini were the heroes for the home side.

In the live DAZN game, Aribim Pepple scored his 11th Southend United goal as they held firm for a great win at Braintree Town, with over 1,600 Shrimpers thrilled with their trip across Essex.

It’s been a great start to life at Woking for Neal Ardley - Inih Effiong was at the double and Harry Beautyman scored a penalty as they won 3-1 against Maidenhead United, a seventh point from a possible nine for the new manager.

Cameron Hargreaves scored three minutes into time added on as Aldershot Town claimed a late point at Sutton United.

New year, same old problems for Ebbsfleet United. Dagenham & Redbridge left with a 2-0 win in their first game since Ben Strevens’ departure, Shiloh Remy and Jake Hessenthaler with the goals.

There was plenty of postponement frustration elsewhere with games at Wealdstone, Rochdale and FC Halifax Town called off.

Curzon Ashton return to the top of the National League North after a few weeks away, Stefan Mols secured a much-needed win at Alfreton Town following two defeats.

But there was perhaps the shock result of the season. Kidderminster Harriers lost 1-0 at home to Rushall Olympic, the bottom side with their first victory since September, Kian Riley denying Phil Brown’s team a return to the top.

Darlington are in great form a won for a fifth time in six, Cedric Main the match winner at South Shields.

Danny Turner and Henry Landers both scored as Leamington defeated Hereford as Chester and Southport fired blanks.

Brackley beat Oxford City 2-0, Connor Hall and Shayne Byrne were on target.

Radcliffe earned a crucial 3-0 win over Farsley, striker Jordan Hulme making the points safe.

Marine finally came good away from home, they won 2-0 at Warrington with Peterborough Sports leaving Needham winners. Michael Gyasi and Max Booth on the scoresheet.

Boreham Wood’s new striker scored twice - and their old one grabbed a hat-trick as they fired a warning to the rest of the National League South.

Kwesi Appiah carried on his great form with three while Matt Rush made a fast start as Wood won 5-1 against Slough Town.

But they don’t go top - Torquay United aren’t ready to hand over the leadership and Jordan Young scored the winner ten minutes from time at home to title rivals Truro City.

Maidstone United will surely have a say in 2015. Aaron Blair keeps their run going, he got the all-important goal in a narrow home win over Welling United while Worthing and Eastbourne had to settle for a point a piece.

Weston-super-Mare are out of the top seven but Chippenham are perhaps now eying up a place - Will Dawes scored twice in Somerset. Chelmsford City are into the top half as they added to Aveley’s woes.

David Longe-King helped St Albans City win the big game down the bottom against Enfield as Scott Wilson got another goal as Bath City won for a third game in a row, they sent Farnborough packing.

PHOTO BY JIMMY McDONALD