What Is Happening Across The National League On Saturday

Most sides have seven matches left to play and there’s not a moment to lose ahead of the big Bank Holiday Monday finish.

Here’s where we are ahead of another crucial Saturday afternoon around the country.

The title race

Leaders Barnet remain in full control despite York City’s morale-boosting thumping of Rochdale on Tuesday night.

Their advantage is a firm 11 points and after winning their last eight matches - their last six without conceding a goal - they will move one step closer with victory over Gateshead. Ominously for the Heed and York, the Bees have yet to lose at home.

York continue their chase with three points at home to Wealdstone, while Forest Green Rovers - still in it mathematically - host Solihull Moors at 12.30pm.

The play-off picture

It’s fair to suggest any team in the top half of the table can still squeeze in - and maybe even one in the lower!

Aldershot Town have climbed to 13th with six wins in eight and now sit just seven points off the pace. Intriguingly, the Shots travel to Rochdale, the current holders of the final slot.

Altrincham are thankful the gap hasn’t widened after their rotten run. They know how crucial it is to get back to winning ways at already-relegated Ebbsfleet United.

There’s a huge enhanced DAZN game coming up as promotion challengers Southend United and Oldham Athletic meet.

Roots Hall will come alive in front of the cameras in an important match and Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher has called for a reaction following their 3-0 collapse at Boston in midweek.

They have company in the play-off waiting room. From nowhere, Tamworth have placed themselves within a win of a promotion position. Victory at home to Eastleigh would seriously damage to Spitfires’ chances, as well as upping the heat.

Gateshead are sixth, aren’t looking comfortable, and with the Heed at Barnet that could open the door for Sutton United to give them something to think about. They go to Boston as FC Halifax Town seek a return to winning ways at home to Hartlepool United.

The relegation battle

Incredibly, only four points separate 23rd place Maidenhead United and Woking, five spots above them in 18th.

There’s a simply massive match as Dagenham, seated uncomfortably just above the dotted line, welcome Alan Devonshire’s Magpies. Concerned Maidenhead fans know their regular revival is usually well underway by now.

The Cards could slip into the bottom four on Saturday if they don’t win at home to Braintree Town, who have built up an eight-point safety net.

AFC Fylde thumped Forest Green last time out but have struggled to win the games they should at times. It’s a trip to Yeovil Town next.

Boston United manager Graham Coughlan says his players have left him feeling astonished. The Great Escape is on - and if they beat Sutton United at home they could be rewarded with their first visit outside of the bottom four this season.

Wealdstone have their work cut out at York City but travel with two wins from their last three matches.

Saturday’s National League fixtures:
Barnet v Gateshead
Boston United v Sutton United
Dagenham v Maidenhead
FC Halifax Town v Hartlepool
Forest Green v Solihull Moors (12.30pm)
Rochdale v Aldershot
Southend v Oldham Ath (5.30pm)
Tamworth v Eastleigh
Woking v Braintree Town
Yeovil Town v AFC Fylde
York City v Wealdstone