What Happened On Saturday Across The National League

The start of the busy period saw plenty of goals across the country - but who’s sitting top of the tree?

It was a fine day for York City, who not only climb to the summit but watched two title rivals surprisingly drop points at home.

The new leaders beat Southend United 3-0, Dipo Akinyemi, Callum Howe and David Ajiboye all scoring.

Billy Waters’ goal just seconds in got FC Halifax off to a flier at Barnet, who bit back through Mark Shelton - only the second game the Bees have failed to win at the Hive.

Aldershot took the lead at Forest Green via Ryan Jones but they had to settle for a point when the promotion chasers drew level through Charlie McCann.

Gateshead continue their progress while Ebbsfleet show no sign of improvement. Goals before half time from Callum Whelan and Luke Hannant and a second half double from Owen Oseni eased the Heed to victory.

Josh Stones and James Norwood were on target for Oldham Athletic, who were too strong for Braintree as the Latics close the gap with another win.

Neal Ardley enjoyed a winning start at Woking, just the Cards’ second win since early September was confirmed by Jermaine Anderson eight minutes from time as Altrincham headed home pointless.

Conor Wilkinson and Jack Stevens both hit two goals as Solihull Moors jumped into the top seven after a 4-1 victory over AFC Fylde.

Wealdstone’s encouraging end to 2024 continues as they defeated Dagenham, Sam Ashford on the market as Gary Madine’s winning goal against Yeovil Town means Hartlepool United are looking towards the play-offs in the New Year.

Eastleigh secured an important win at home to Maidenhead and Tamworth had two goal Thomas McGlinchey to thank for flipping their game at Sutton United.

Curzon Ashton had a rare afternoon of National League North misery - but couldn’t be displaced at the top.

Callum Stewart continued his fine season for Leamington with an incredible hat-trick to rock the leaders.

King’s Lynn couldn’t take full advantage, but still picked up a good point at Chester. Jonny Margetts the man with the leveller.

Mike Calveley was amongst the goals as Chorley added to Rushall Olympic’s worries in Richard Sneekes first goal back in permanent charge as Scunthorpe United were held 0-0 by Hereford.

Ashley Hemmings shone again as Kidderminster moved to within two points of top spot at they bettered Southport.

Two goal Paul Blackett’s brilliant season continues as South Shields eased to three points at home to Marine as Warrington saw off Buxton.

It also was a winning weekend for Oxford City, Josh Parker, Reece Fleet and Alfie Potter were on the mark in an impressive 3-0 victory over Spennymoor Town.

It’s Torquay United on top of the National League South for Christmas - Cody Cooke’s penalty broke Hemel Hempstead’s resistance.

Plenty of the chasers all win. Alfie Rutherford scored three with Jimmy Muitt at the double as Dorking Wanderers continued Chesham United’s dreadful December, 5-0 it finished.

Maidstone United are still unbeaten since early September. Aaron Blair struck to get the Stones on the way to a convincing 4-0 victory over Farnborough.

Will Dean’s 91st minute goal gave Truro City victory at St Albans City as Weston fell to defeat at home to Eastbourne Borough.

The battle of two form sides ended 1-1 as Boreham Wood and Tonbridge Angels had to settle for a point apiece.

Noah Coppin scored a brace as Salisbury beat Welling as Chippenham and Worthing recorded important victories.

Scott Wilson was back amongst the goals as Bath City scored 3-0 at home to Aveley.