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National League Preview 17 February 2018

It still remains tight at the top – one of three teams could end the day at the summit.  Factor that in with massive clashes, as 1st plays 2nd and 3rd takes on 4th, and you have the recipe for a thrilling days action…

AFC Fylde vs Leyton Orient @15:00

Fylde are the division’s top scorers, netting a sizeable 58 in 33 League matches.  18 of those goals have come from the League’s top scorer Danny Rowe who has answered any questions about converting his form last season to life at the top of non-league.  Generally, The Coasters have adjusted well to their new surroundings and sit 7th, having gone on a great recent run, picking up 13 points from the last 18 available.  The hosts have also only lost two League games at Mill Farm, winning seven and drawing the same amount.  It all adds up to a significant challenge for 17th placed Orient.  Revenge will clearly be on their minds having lost the corresponding fixture 2-1 in September when Fylde were struggling, and this game sees the end of a tough run of fixtures for The O’s which has seen them pick up one win and three draws from the last six League games, all but one of those fixtures against teams from the top 11.  Orient’s top scorer in the League, and second overall in the division, Macauley Bonne will be hoping to improve on his 15 scored so far, as Orient try to improve an away League record which reads four wins, four draws and seven losses.

Aldershot Town vs Macclesfield Town @15:00

The fixture of the day sees 2nd placed Aldershot host league leaders Macclesfield, with the victor guaranteed top spot at the end of the day.  The Shots sit a point behind Macc and are in excellent form, eight undefeated in the League, with five wins.  Add to this only three home League losses, with seven wins and five draws, and 51 goals scored in 32 League games, conceding only 32, and Aldershot are a massive test of Macclesfield’s title credentials.  Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that not one man stands out for the hosts amongst their prolific goal scoring record – The Shots don’t have a single scorer in the top 12 in the division!  Macclesfield are strong on the road, winning a massive nine away League games, drawing two and losing four, but have struggled by their own high standards lately, Saturday’s win against Guiseley their first in the League for four matches.  Saying all this, The Macc have only lost once in the last 14 League games and will be positive after beating the hosts 2-0 back in September.

Boreham Wood vs Gateshead @15:00

These two sides couldn’t be separated on 30 September, Boreham Wood hoping for much better given their lofty position of 6th.  The Wood have taken three wins in the last four League games, two on the bounce after losing to Dover.  In fact, the hosts have picked up 11 points from the last 18 available and can rely on a defence that only concedes at a rate of one per game in the League. A point of hope for Gateshead is the fact that Boreham Wood have been better on the road, their home record reading won seven, drawn three, lost five.  However, The Heed have struggled to pick up wins on the road, their win at Guiseley on Tuesday pushing the record to four away League wins, but only four losses.  In fact, the visitors have taken 11 points from the last six matches, and are 13th, only nine points off the playoffs with a game in hand on Fylde in 7th.  Gateshead are the only team in the bottom half of the table with positive goal difference.

Chester vs Eastleigh @15:00

Off field issues still loom large for Chester, as do problems on the pitch, with no win in five League games seeing The Blues slip to 23rd, five points from safety with Barrow in 20th having a game in hand.  In fact, it is only one point from the last four games, all of which have been against teams in the bottom half of the table.  Home form is terrible with only three League wins from 15, losing eight and goals have been hard to come by, scoring 27 in 32 in the division – a League low.  Goals have gone in freely at the other end of the pitch, 52 conceded in the National League. Eastleigh’s undefeated streak under Andy Hessenthaler was finally ended by Boreham Wood last time out, but it is still 13 points from the last 18 available.  Only the bottom three have conceded more League goals, but The Spitfires have scored almost as many, and will want to improve on the 1-1 draw in November.

FC Halifax Town vs Ebbsfleet United @15:00

Halifax are now seven without a League win and are in 18th, five clear of the relegation zone.  The Shaymen haven’t actually played a home League game on a Saturday since 23rd December, their last League win, and have a record of won five, drawn four and lost six in National League games at The Shay.  Ebbsfleet picked up their first win in four League games on Saturday, propelling them to 10th, six off the playoffs.  They have struggled away from home with only three League wins, eight draws and five losses and will be keen to build on a 2-0 win in the reverse in September.

Guiseley vs Maidenhead United @15:00

Paul Cox left Guiseley after Tuesday night’s defeat at home to Gateshead, perhaps no surprise given The Lions are rock bottom, eight without a win, with six straight losses, and 10 points from safety, 20th placed Barrow having a game in hand. Maidenhead won the reverse 3-0 and it is hard to see the hosts getting a victory out of this match, especially considering that they have only won two home League games, with seven draws and six losses.  The Lions also have the worst goal difference in the division, only Chester have scored fewer and no team has conceded more.  Maidenhead arrive 15th, with only one win in the last six League games, that coming against 23rd placed Chester, and only one point picked up besides.  The Magpies have only won four away League games, drawing five and losing six, so maybe there is hope for Guiseley after all.

Hartlepool United vs Woking @15:00

Hartlepool are another club plagued by off field distractions, so it is perhaps good that they have not played since 27 January.  It is 11 without a win in all competitions for the 19th placed side, who sit only four points above the relegation zone, with only four home League wins all season, losing seven and drawing four. After being on such a terrible run, Woking are now three undefeated in the division, with back-to-back wins.  This recent run has lifted The Cards to 14th, only 10 off the playoffs, no small feat considering prior results.  The campaign has been built on good home form, with the side losing nine of 15 away League games, scoring three wins.

Maidstone United vs Barrow @15:00

Maidstone have slipped to 16th as their poor run continues, the hosts only gaining two points from the last 18 available.  It means that The Stones are now only nine clear of the relegation zone, home form unlikely to kick start a revival with only three League wins on the 3G at Gallagher Stadium.  The hosts have let in 50 in the League, scoring 40, so will be hoping to pick up a win and clean sheet as they did back in September.  Barrow are 20th, two clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on Solihull in 21st and arrive with no wins in six National League games.  However, they have had only two losses in that time, scoring a point at home to Sutton on Tuesday.  Barrow will need to improve away League form, having a massive eight losses from 15 games to date.

Solihull Moors vs Dover Athletic @15:00

Last weekend’s loss at Ebbsfleet ended a run of 13 points from the last 15 available for Moors, a record which has moved them into 21st, two points from safety with Barrow having a game in hand.  The hosts have only won four home League games all season, but they are undefeated in five at Damson Park, three of those wins.  Dover won the reverse 1-0, no surprise for a team who have conceded only 27 in 32 League games – only Wrexham have done better – and will be defending a great away record, only losing twice in the League.  The Whites are 9th, a point off the playoffs with a game in hand, but will need to improve their recent run in the division of two wins, two draws and two losses.  Ryan Bird could be the man to watch, the Dover man scoring 12 in the National League this season.

Sutton United vs Wrexham @15:00

Another cracker as 4th placed Sutton host Wrexham in 3rd.  The two sides couldn’t be split in September, and this looks like it could be another tight one, The Ambers three points off top and five undefeated in the division – although the hosts might be disappointed with a draw at Barrow on Tuesday.  The record at Gander Green Lane in the League is won seven, drawn four, lost four, and expect to see a tight defence which has conceded only three in the last five in the division.  Wrexham are a point ahead of the hosts, and two off the top, but have played a game more than those around them.  The Dragons are nine without a defeat, but have probably been let down in their title campaign by away form with seven wins, four draws and five losses.  The defence is rock solid, conceding a League low 25 in 33, but the problems come at the other end where they have scored 38 – only the bottom seven have scored the same or fewer.

Torquay United vs Dagenham & Redbridge @15:00

Torquay are rising from the ashes, now three without a League defeat, back-to-back wins lifting them off the bottom and into 22nd, five points from safety, but with Barrow having two games in hand and vastly superior goal difference.  The home League record shows a paltry three wins, five draws and eight losses, but The Gulls won their last home League game 3-1 against Barrow.  The League stats also read 30 goals scored in 33 matches, conceding 54, but the hosts have been a lot better of late, scoring six and conceding three in the last three.  The belt tightening continues at Dagenham with big names leaving the club, and form on the pitch has taken a hit, losing four League games in a row, to see the visitors 11th, seven points off the playoffs with a game in hand on Fylde in 7th. Away form has been a problem all season, with only three League wins, sevens draws and five losses.

Tranmere Rovers vs Bromley @15:00

Prenton Park is one place you don’t want to go at the moment.  Tranmere have the best home record in the division, winning 11, drawing two and losing just three, and have scored six consecutive home victories.  Rovers are 5th, last weekend’s draw at Leyton Orient extending their undefeated League run to six, with one defeat in 13.  The hosts have the best goal difference in the division, thanks to scoring 52 in 33, conceding 31.  The goals have been in no small part due to the potent strike force of Norwood and Cook, scoring 26 between them and 16 of the last 33. Bromley are also big scorers, netting 21 in the last six in all competitions, and 55 in 32 League games, conceding 39.  Louis Dennis has scored 14 League goals, Joshua Rees 12, neither of them netting a penalty.  It’s set up to be a great game with the visitors 8th, six undefeated in all competitions and eager to avenge a 1-0 loss in September.

 

 

 
 
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National League Preview 17 February 2018

It still remains tight at the top – one of three teams could end the day at the summit.  Factor that in with massive clashes, as 1st plays 2nd and 3rd takes on 4th, and you have the recipe for a thrilling days action…

AFC Fylde vs Leyton Orient @15:00

Fylde are the division’s top scorers, netting a sizeable 58 in 33 League matches.  18 of those goals have come from the League’s top scorer Danny Rowe who has answered any questions about converting his form last season to life at the top of non-league.  Generally, The Coasters have adjusted well to their new surroundings and sit 7th, having gone on a great recent run, picking up 13 points from the last 18 available.  The hosts have also only lost two League games at Mill Farm, winning seven and drawing the same amount.  It all adds up to a significant challenge for 17th placed Orient.  Revenge will clearly be on their minds having lost the corresponding fixture 2-1 in September when Fylde were struggling, and this game sees the end of a tough run of fixtures for The O’s which has seen them pick up one win and three draws from the last six League games, all but one of those fixtures against teams from the top 11.  Orient’s top scorer in the League, and second overall in the division, Macauley Bonne will be hoping to improve on his 15 scored so far, as Orient try to improve an away League record which reads four wins, four draws and seven losses.

Aldershot Town vs Macclesfield Town @15:00

The fixture of the day sees 2nd placed Aldershot host league leaders Macclesfield, with the victor guaranteed top spot at the end of the day.  The Shots sit a point behind Macc and are in excellent form, eight undefeated in the League, with five wins.  Add to this only three home League losses, with seven wins and five draws, and 51 goals scored in 32 League games, conceding only 32, and Aldershot are a massive test of Macclesfield’s title credentials.  Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that not one man stands out for the hosts amongst their prolific goal scoring record – The Shots don’t have a single scorer in the top 12 in the division!  Macclesfield are strong on the road, winning a massive nine away League games, drawing two and losing four, but have struggled by their own high standards lately, Saturday’s win against Guiseley their first in the League for four matches.  Saying all this, The Macc have only lost once in the last 14 League games and will be positive after beating the hosts 2-0 back in September.

Boreham Wood vs Gateshead @15:00

These two sides couldn’t be separated on 30 September, Boreham Wood hoping for much better given their lofty position of 6th.  The Wood have taken three wins in the last four League games, two on the bounce after losing to Dover.  In fact, the hosts have picked up 11 points from the last 18 available and can rely on a defence that only concedes at a rate of one per game in the League. A point of hope for Gateshead is the fact that Boreham Wood have been better on the road, their home record reading won seven, drawn three, lost five.  However, The Heed have struggled to pick up wins on the road, their win at Guiseley on Tuesday pushing the record to four away League wins, but only four losses.  In fact, the visitors have taken 11 points from the last six matches, and are 13th, only nine points off the playoffs with a game in hand on Fylde in 7th.  Gateshead are the only team in the bottom half of the table with positive goal difference.

Chester vs Eastleigh @15:00

Off field issues still loom large for Chester, as do problems on the pitch, with no win in five League games seeing The Blues slip to 23rd, five points from safety with Barrow in 20th having a game in hand.  In fact, it is only one point from the last four games, all of which have been against teams in the bottom half of the table.  Home form is terrible with only three League wins from 15, losing eight and goals have been hard to come by, scoring 27 in 32 in the division – a League low.  Goals have gone in freely at the other end of the pitch, 52 conceded in the National League. Eastleigh’s undefeated streak under Andy Hessenthaler was finally ended by Boreham Wood last time out, but it is still 13 points from the last 18 available.  Only the bottom three have conceded more League goals, but The Spitfires have scored almost as many, and will want to improve on the 1-1 draw in November.

FC Halifax Town vs Ebbsfleet United @15:00

Halifax are now seven without a League win and are in 18th, five clear of the relegation zone.  The Shaymen haven’t actually played a home League game on a Saturday since 23rd December, their last League win, and have a record of won five, drawn four and lost six in National League games at The Shay.  Ebbsfleet picked up their first win in four League games on Saturday, propelling them to 10th, six off the playoffs.  They have struggled away from home with only three League wins, eight draws and five losses and will be keen to build on a 2-0 win in the reverse in September.

Guiseley vs Maidenhead United @15:00

Paul Cox left Guiseley after Tuesday night’s defeat at home to Gateshead, perhaps no surprise given The Lions are rock bottom, eight without a win, with six straight losses, and 10 points from safety, 20th placed Barrow having a game in hand. Maidenhead won the reverse 3-0 and it is hard to see the hosts getting a victory out of this match, especially considering that they have only won two home League games, with seven draws and six losses.  The Lions also have the worst goal difference in the division, only Chester have scored fewer and no team has conceded more.  Maidenhead arrive 15th, with only one win in the last six League games, that coming against 23rd placed Chester, and only one point picked up besides.  The Magpies have only won four away League games, drawing five and losing six, so maybe there is hope for Guiseley after all.

Hartlepool United vs Woking @15:00

Hartlepool are another club plagued by off field distractions, so it is perhaps good that they have not played since 27 January.  It is 11 without a win in all competitions for the 19th placed side, who sit only four points above the relegation zone, with only four home League wins all season, losing seven and drawing four. After being on such a terrible run, Woking are now three undefeated in the division, with back-to-back wins.  This recent run has lifted The Cards to 14th, only 10 off the playoffs, no small feat considering prior results.  The campaign has been built on good home form, with the side losing nine of 15 away League games, scoring three wins.

Maidstone United vs Barrow @15:00

Maidstone have slipped to 16th as their poor run continues, the hosts only gaining two points from the last 18 available.  It means that The Stones are now only nine clear of the relegation zone, home form unlikely to kick start a revival with only three League wins on the 3G at Gallagher Stadium.  The hosts have let in 50 in the League, scoring 40, so will be hoping to pick up a win and clean sheet as they did back in September.  Barrow are 20th, two clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on Solihull in 21st and arrive with no wins in six National League games.  However, they have had only two losses in that time, scoring a point at home to Sutton on Tuesday.  Barrow will need to improve away League form, having a massive eight losses from 15 games to date.

Solihull Moors vs Dover Athletic @15:00

Last weekend’s loss at Ebbsfleet ended a run of 13 points from the last 15 available for Moors, a record which has moved them into 21st, two points from safety with Barrow having a game in hand.  The hosts have only won four home League games all season, but they are undefeated in five at Damson Park, three of those wins.  Dover won the reverse 1-0, no surprise for a team who have conceded only 27 in 32 League games – only Wrexham have done better – and will be defending a great away record, only losing twice in the League.  The Whites are 9th, a point off the playoffs with a game in hand, but will need to improve their recent run in the division of two wins, two draws and two losses.  Ryan Bird could be the man to watch, the Dover man scoring 12 in the National League this season.

Sutton United vs Wrexham @15:00

Another cracker as 4th placed Sutton host Wrexham in 3rd.  The two sides couldn’t be split in September, and this looks like it could be another tight one, The Ambers three points off top and five undefeated in the division – although the hosts might be disappointed with a draw at Barrow on Tuesday.  The record at Gander Green Lane in the League is won seven, drawn four, lost four, and expect to see a tight defence which has conceded only three in the last five in the division.  Wrexham are a point ahead of the hosts, and two off the top, but have played a game more than those around them.  The Dragons are nine without a defeat, but have probably been let down in their title campaign by away form with seven wins, four draws and five losses.  The defence is rock solid, conceding a League low 25 in 33, but the problems come at the other end where they have scored 38 – only the bottom seven have scored the same or fewer.

Torquay United vs Dagenham & Redbridge @15:00

Torquay are rising from the ashes, now three without a League defeat, back-to-back wins lifting them off the bottom and into 22nd, five points from safety, but with Barrow having two games in hand and vastly superior goal difference.  The home League record shows a paltry three wins, five draws and eight losses, but The Gulls won their last home League game 3-1 against Barrow.  The League stats also read 30 goals scored in 33 matches, conceding 54, but the hosts have been a lot better of late, scoring six and conceding three in the last three.  The belt tightening continues at Dagenham with big names leaving the club, and form on the pitch has taken a hit, losing four League games in a row, to see the visitors 11th, seven points off the playoffs with a game in hand on Fylde in 7th. Away form has been a problem all season, with only three League wins, sevens draws and five losses.

Tranmere Rovers vs Bromley @15:00

Prenton Park is one place you don’t want to go at the moment.  Tranmere have the best home record in the division, winning 11, drawing two and losing just three, and have scored six consecutive home victories.  Rovers are 5th, last weekend’s draw at Leyton Orient extending their undefeated League run to six, with one defeat in 13.  The hosts have the best goal difference in the division, thanks to scoring 52 in 33, conceding 31.  The goals have been in no small part due to the potent strike force of Norwood and Cook, scoring 26 between them and 16 of the last 33. Bromley are also big scorers, netting 21 in the last six in all competitions, and 55 in 32 League games, conceding 39.  Louis Dennis has scored 14 League goals, Joshua Rees 12, neither of them netting a penalty.  It’s set up to be a great game with the visitors 8th, six undefeated in all competitions and eager to avenge a 1-0 loss in September.

 

 

 
 
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National League Preview 17 February 2018

It still remains tight at the top – one of three teams could end the day at the summit.  Factor that in with massive clashes, as 1st plays 2nd and 3rd takes on 4th, and you have the recipe for a thrilling days action…

AFC Fylde vs Leyton Orient @15:00

Fylde are the division’s top scorers, netting a sizeable 58 in 33 League matches.  18 of those goals have come from the League’s top scorer Danny Rowe who has answered any questions about converting his form last season to life at the top of non-league.  Generally, The Coasters have adjusted well to their new surroundings and sit 7th, having gone on a great recent run, picking up 13 points from the last 18 available.  The hosts have also only lost two League games at Mill Farm, winning seven and drawing the same amount.  It all adds up to a significant challenge for 17th placed Orient.  Revenge will clearly be on their minds having lost the corresponding fixture 2-1 in September when Fylde were struggling, and this game sees the end of a tough run of fixtures for The O’s which has seen them pick up one win and three draws from the last six League games, all but one of those fixtures against teams from the top 11.  Orient’s top scorer in the League, and second overall in the division, Macauley Bonne will be hoping to improve on his 15 scored so far, as Orient try to improve an away League record which reads four wins, four draws and seven losses.

Aldershot Town vs Macclesfield Town @15:00

The fixture of the day sees 2nd placed Aldershot host league leaders Macclesfield, with the victor guaranteed top spot at the end of the day.  The Shots sit a point behind Macc and are in excellent form, eight undefeated in the League, with five wins.  Add to this only three home League losses, with seven wins and five draws, and 51 goals scored in 32 League games, conceding only 32, and Aldershot are a massive test of Macclesfield’s title credentials.  Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that not one man stands out for the hosts amongst their prolific goal scoring record – The Shots don’t have a single scorer in the top 12 in the division!  Macclesfield are strong on the road, winning a massive nine away League games, drawing two and losing four, but have struggled by their own high standards lately, Saturday’s win against Guiseley their first in the League for four matches.  Saying all this, The Macc have only lost once in the last 14 League games and will be positive after beating the hosts 2-0 back in September.

Boreham Wood vs Gateshead @15:00

These two sides couldn’t be separated on 30 September, Boreham Wood hoping for much better given their lofty position of 6th.  The Wood have taken three wins in the last four League games, two on the bounce after losing to Dover.  In fact, the hosts have picked up 11 points from the last 18 available and can rely on a defence that only concedes at a rate of one per game in the League. A point of hope for Gateshead is the fact that Boreham Wood have been better on the road, their home record reading won seven, drawn three, lost five.  However, The Heed have struggled to pick up wins on the road, their win at Guiseley on Tuesday pushing the record to four away League wins, but only four losses.  In fact, the visitors have taken 11 points from the last six matches, and are 13th, only nine points off the playoffs with a game in hand on Fylde in 7th.  Gateshead are the only team in the bottom half of the table with positive goal difference.

Chester vs Eastleigh @15:00

Off field issues still loom large for Chester, as do problems on the pitch, with no win in five League games seeing The Blues slip to 23rd, five points from safety with Barrow in 20th having a game in hand.  In fact, it is only one point from the last four games, all of which have been against teams in the bottom half of the table.  Home form is terrible with only three League wins from 15, losing eight and goals have been hard to come by, scoring 27 in 32 in the division – a League low.  Goals have gone in freely at the other end of the pitch, 52 conceded in the National League. Eastleigh’s undefeated streak under Andy Hessenthaler was finally ended by Boreham Wood last time out, but it is still 13 points from the last 18 available.  Only the bottom three have conceded more League goals, but The Spitfires have scored almost as many, and will want to improve on the 1-1 draw in November.

FC Halifax Town vs Ebbsfleet United @15:00

Halifax are now seven without a League win and are in 18th, five clear of the relegation zone.  The Shaymen haven’t actually played a home League game on a Saturday since 23rd December, their last League win, and have a record of won five, drawn four and lost six in National League games at The Shay.  Ebbsfleet picked up their first win in four League games on Saturday, propelling them to 10th, six off the playoffs.  They have struggled away from home with only three League wins, eight draws and five losses and will be keen to build on a 2-0 win in the reverse in September.

Guiseley vs Maidenhead United @15:00

Paul Cox left Guiseley after Tuesday night’s defeat at home to Gateshead, perhaps no surprise given The Lions are rock bottom, eight without a win, with six straight losses, and 10 points from safety, 20th placed Barrow having a game in hand. Maidenhead won the reverse 3-0 and it is hard to see the hosts getting a victory out of this match, especially considering that they have only won two home League games, with seven draws and six losses.  The Lions also have the worst goal difference in the division, only Chester have scored fewer and no team has conceded more.  Maidenhead arrive 15th, with only one win in the last six League games, that coming against 23rd placed Chester, and only one point picked up besides.  The Magpies have only won four away League games, drawing five and losing six, so maybe there is hope for Guiseley after all.

Hartlepool United vs Woking @15:00

Hartlepool are another club plagued by off field distractions, so it is perhaps good that they have not played since 27 January.  It is 11 without a win in all competitions for the 19th placed side, who sit only four points above the relegation zone, with only four home League wins all season, losing seven and drawing four. After being on such a terrible run, Woking are now three undefeated in the division, with back-to-back wins.  This recent run has lifted The Cards to 14th, only 10 off the playoffs, no small feat considering prior results.  The campaign has been built on good home form, with the side losing nine of 15 away League games, scoring three wins.

Maidstone United vs Barrow @15:00

Maidstone have slipped to 16th as their poor run continues, the hosts only gaining two points from the last 18 available.  It means that The Stones are now only nine clear of the relegation zone, home form unlikely to kick start a revival with only three League wins on the 3G at Gallagher Stadium.  The hosts have let in 50 in the League, scoring 40, so will be hoping to pick up a win and clean sheet as they did back in September.  Barrow are 20th, two clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on Solihull in 21st and arrive with no wins in six National League games.  However, they have had only two losses in that time, scoring a point at home to Sutton on Tuesday.  Barrow will need to improve away League form, having a massive eight losses from 15 games to date.

Solihull Moors vs Dover Athletic @15:00

Last weekend’s loss at Ebbsfleet ended a run of 13 points from the last 15 available for Moors, a record which has moved them into 21st, two points from safety with Barrow having a game in hand.  The hosts have only won four home League games all season, but they are undefeated in five at Damson Park, three of those wins.  Dover won the reverse 1-0, no surprise for a team who have conceded only 27 in 32 League games – only Wrexham have done better – and will be defending a great away record, only losing twice in the League.  The Whites are 9th, a point off the playoffs with a game in hand, but will need to improve their recent run in the division of two wins, two draws and two losses.  Ryan Bird could be the man to watch, the Dover man scoring 12 in the National League this season.

Sutton United vs Wrexham @15:00

Another cracker as 4th placed Sutton host Wrexham in 3rd.  The two sides couldn’t be split in September, and this looks like it could be another tight one, The Ambers three points off top and five undefeated in the division – although the hosts might be disappointed with a draw at Barrow on Tuesday.  The record at Gander Green Lane in the League is won seven, drawn four, lost four, and expect to see a tight defence which has conceded only three in the last five in the division.  Wrexham are a point ahead of the hosts, and two off the top, but have played a game more than those around them.  The Dragons are nine without a defeat, but have probably been let down in their title campaign by away form with seven wins, four draws and five losses.  The defence is rock solid, conceding a League low 25 in 33, but the problems come at the other end where they have scored 38 – only the bottom seven have scored the same or fewer.

Torquay United vs Dagenham & Redbridge @15:00

Torquay are rising from the ashes, now three without a League defeat, back-to-back wins lifting them off the bottom and into 22nd, five points from safety, but with Barrow having two games in hand and vastly superior goal difference.  The home League record shows a paltry three wins, five draws and eight losses, but The Gulls won their last home League game 3-1 against Barrow.  The League stats also read 30 goals scored in 33 matches, conceding 54, but the hosts have been a lot better of late, scoring six and conceding three in the last three.  The belt tightening continues at Dagenham with big names leaving the club, and form on the pitch has taken a hit, losing four League games in a row, to see the visitors 11th, seven points off the playoffs with a game in hand on Fylde in 7th. Away form has been a problem all season, with only three League wins, sevens draws and five losses.

Tranmere Rovers vs Bromley @15:00

Prenton Park is one place you don’t want to go at the moment.  Tranmere have the best home record in the division, winning 11, drawing two and losing just three, and have scored six consecutive home victories.  Rovers are 5th, last weekend’s draw at Leyton Orient extending their undefeated League run to six, with one defeat in 13.  The hosts have the best goal difference in the division, thanks to scoring 52 in 33, conceding 31.  The goals have been in no small part due to the potent strike force of Norwood and Cook, scoring 26 between them and 16 of the last 33. Bromley are also big scorers, netting 21 in the last six in all competitions, and 55 in 32 League games, conceding 39.  Louis Dennis has scored 14 League goals, Joshua Rees 12, neither of them netting a penalty.  It’s set up to be a great game with the visitors 8th, six undefeated in all competitions and eager to avenge a 1-0 loss in September.

 

 

 
 
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National League Preview 17 February 2018

It still remains tight at the top – one of three teams could end the day at the summit.  Factor that in with massive clashes, as 1st plays 2nd and 3rd takes on 4th, and you have the recipe for a thrilling days action…

AFC Fylde vs Leyton Orient @15:00

Fylde are the division’s top scorers, netting a sizeable 58 in 33 League matches.  18 of those goals have come from the League’s top scorer Danny Rowe who has answered any questions about converting his form last season to life at the top of non-league.  Generally, The Coasters have adjusted well to their new surroundings and sit 7th, having gone on a great recent run, picking up 13 points from the last 18 available.  The hosts have also only lost two League games at Mill Farm, winning seven and drawing the same amount.  It all adds up to a significant challenge for 17th placed Orient.  Revenge will clearly be on their minds having lost the corresponding fixture 2-1 in September when Fylde were struggling, and this game sees the end of a tough run of fixtures for The O’s which has seen them pick up one win and three draws from the last six League games, all but one of those fixtures against teams from the top 11.  Orient’s top scorer in the League, and second overall in the division, Macauley Bonne will be hoping to improve on his 15 scored so far, as Orient try to improve an away League record which reads four wins, four draws and seven losses.

Aldershot Town vs Macclesfield Town @15:00

The fixture of the day sees 2nd placed Aldershot host league leaders Macclesfield, with the victor guaranteed top spot at the end of the day.  The Shots sit a point behind Macc and are in excellent form, eight undefeated in the League, with five wins.  Add to this only three home League losses, with seven wins and five draws, and 51 goals scored in 32 League games, conceding only 32, and Aldershot are a massive test of Macclesfield’s title credentials.  Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that not one man stands out for the hosts amongst their prolific goal scoring record – The Shots don’t have a single scorer in the top 12 in the division!  Macclesfield are strong on the road, winning a massive nine away League games, drawing two and losing four, but have struggled by their own high standards lately, Saturday’s win against Guiseley their first in the League for four matches.  Saying all this, The Macc have only lost once in the last 14 League games and will be positive after beating the hosts 2-0 back in September.

Boreham Wood vs Gateshead @15:00

These two sides couldn’t be separated on 30 September, Boreham Wood hoping for much better given their lofty position of 6th.  The Wood have taken three wins in the last four League games, two on the bounce after losing to Dover.  In fact, the hosts have picked up 11 points from the last 18 available and can rely on a defence that only concedes at a rate of one per game in the League. A point of hope for Gateshead is the fact that Boreham Wood have been better on the road, their home record reading won seven, drawn three, lost five.  However, The Heed have struggled to pick up wins on the road, their win at Guiseley on Tuesday pushing the record to four away League wins, but only four losses.  In fact, the visitors have taken 11 points from the last six matches, and are 13th, only nine points off the playoffs with a game in hand on Fylde in 7th.  Gateshead are the only team in the bottom half of the table with positive goal difference.

Chester vs Eastleigh @15:00

Off field issues still loom large for Chester, as do problems on the pitch, with no win in five League games seeing The Blues slip to 23rd, five points from safety with Barrow in 20th having a game in hand.  In fact, it is only one point from the last four games, all of which have been against teams in the bottom half of the table.  Home form is terrible with only three League wins from 15, losing eight and goals have been hard to come by, scoring 27 in 32 in the division – a League low.  Goals have gone in freely at the other end of the pitch, 52 conceded in the National League. Eastleigh’s undefeated streak under Andy Hessenthaler was finally ended by Boreham Wood last time out, but it is still 13 points from the last 18 available.  Only the bottom three have conceded more League goals, but The Spitfires have scored almost as many, and will want to improve on the 1-1 draw in November.

FC Halifax Town vs Ebbsfleet United @15:00

Halifax are now seven without a League win and are in 18th, five clear of the relegation zone.  The Shaymen haven’t actually played a home League game on a Saturday since 23rd December, their last League win, and have a record of won five, drawn four and lost six in National League games at The Shay.  Ebbsfleet picked up their first win in four League games on Saturday, propelling them to 10th, six off the playoffs.  They have struggled away from home with only three League wins, eight draws and five losses and will be keen to build on a 2-0 win in the reverse in September.

Guiseley vs Maidenhead United @15:00

Paul Cox left Guiseley after Tuesday night’s defeat at home to Gateshead, perhaps no surprise given The Lions are rock bottom, eight without a win, with six straight losses, and 10 points from safety, 20th placed Barrow having a game in hand. Maidenhead won the reverse 3-0 and it is hard to see the hosts getting a victory out of this match, especially considering that they have only won two home League games, with seven draws and six losses.  The Lions also have the worst goal difference in the division, only Chester have scored fewer and no team has conceded more.  Maidenhead arrive 15th, with only one win in the last six League games, that coming against 23rd placed Chester, and only one point picked up besides.  The Magpies have only won four away League games, drawing five and losing six, so maybe there is hope for Guiseley after all.

Hartlepool United vs Woking @15:00

Hartlepool are another club plagued by off field distractions, so it is perhaps good that they have not played since 27 January.  It is 11 without a win in all competitions for the 19th placed side, who sit only four points above the relegation zone, with only four home League wins all season, losing seven and drawing four. After being on such a terrible run, Woking are now three undefeated in the division, with back-to-back wins.  This recent run has lifted The Cards to 14th, only 10 off the playoffs, no small feat considering prior results.  The campaign has been built on good home form, with the side losing nine of 15 away League games, scoring three wins.

Maidstone United vs Barrow @15:00

Maidstone have slipped to 16th as their poor run continues, the hosts only gaining two points from the last 18 available.  It means that The Stones are now only nine clear of the relegation zone, home form unlikely to kick start a revival with only three League wins on the 3G at Gallagher Stadium.  The hosts have let in 50 in the League, scoring 40, so will be hoping to pick up a win and clean sheet as they did back in September.  Barrow are 20th, two clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on Solihull in 21st and arrive with no wins in six National League games.  However, they have had only two losses in that time, scoring a point at home to Sutton on Tuesday.  Barrow will need to improve away League form, having a massive eight losses from 15 games to date.

Solihull Moors vs Dover Athletic @15:00

Last weekend’s loss at Ebbsfleet ended a run of 13 points from the last 15 available for Moors, a record which has moved them into 21st, two points from safety with Barrow having a game in hand.  The hosts have only won four home League games all season, but they are undefeated in five at Damson Park, three of those wins.  Dover won the reverse 1-0, no surprise for a team who have conceded only 27 in 32 League games – only Wrexham have done better – and will be defending a great away record, only losing twice in the League.  The Whites are 9th, a point off the playoffs with a game in hand, but will need to improve their recent run in the division of two wins, two draws and two losses.  Ryan Bird could be the man to watch, the Dover man scoring 12 in the National League this season.

Sutton United vs Wrexham @15:00

Another cracker as 4th placed Sutton host Wrexham in 3rd.  The two sides couldn’t be split in September, and this looks like it could be another tight one, The Ambers three points off top and five undefeated in the division – although the hosts might be disappointed with a draw at Barrow on Tuesday.  The record at Gander Green Lane in the League is won seven, drawn four, lost four, and expect to see a tight defence which has conceded only three in the last five in the division.  Wrexham are a point ahead of the hosts, and two off the top, but have played a game more than those around them.  The Dragons are nine without a defeat, but have probably been let down in their title campaign by away form with seven wins, four draws and five losses.  The defence is rock solid, conceding a League low 25 in 33, but the problems come at the other end where they have scored 38 – only the bottom seven have scored the same or fewer.

Torquay United vs Dagenham & Redbridge @15:00

Torquay are rising from the ashes, now three without a League defeat, back-to-back wins lifting them off the bottom and into 22nd, five points from safety, but with Barrow having two games in hand and vastly superior goal difference.  The home League record shows a paltry three wins, five draws and eight losses, but The Gulls won their last home League game 3-1 against Barrow.  The League stats also read 30 goals scored in 33 matches, conceding 54, but the hosts have been a lot better of late, scoring six and conceding three in the last three.  The belt tightening continues at Dagenham with big names leaving the club, and form on the pitch has taken a hit, losing four League games in a row, to see the visitors 11th, seven points off the playoffs with a game in hand on Fylde in 7th. Away form has been a problem all season, with only three League wins, sevens draws and five losses.

Tranmere Rovers vs Bromley @15:00

Prenton Park is one place you don’t want to go at the moment.  Tranmere have the best home record in the division, winning 11, drawing two and losing just three, and have scored six consecutive home victories.  Rovers are 5th, last weekend’s draw at Leyton Orient extending their undefeated League run to six, with one defeat in 13.  The hosts have the best goal difference in the division, thanks to scoring 52 in 33, conceding 31.  The goals have been in no small part due to the potent strike force of Norwood and Cook, scoring 26 between them and 16 of the last 33. Bromley are also big scorers, netting 21 in the last six in all competitions, and 55 in 32 League games, conceding 39.  Louis Dennis has scored 14 League goals, Joshua Rees 12, neither of them netting a penalty.  It’s set up to be a great game with the visitors 8th, six undefeated in all competitions and eager to avenge a 1-0 loss in September.

 

 

 
 
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