The Coasters have a weekend off, but there are still several other sides battling it out in the National League North tomorrow. Here we preview all the other games taking place this weekend.
AFC Telford United v Curzon Ashton
One of several bottom-half battles taking place this weekend. Curzon lost star striker Adam Morgan to Halifax before the New Year but they have still scored five goals in the three games since his departure. Telford find themselves just two points above the bottom three following a run of just one win in nine league matches although three draws in four games have steadied the ship. The side’s drew 1-1 at Curzon earlier this season so another tight contest could be on the cards.
Altrincham v Gainsborough Trinity
A meeting of two of the division’s struggling teams. Altrincham are rooted to the bottom of the league having only won one league game all season. Alty has currently amassed eight points this season and are 13 points off safety. Gainsborough meanwhile are only outside of the bottom three on goal difference and are without a league since October against Curzon Ashton. Gainsborough have, however, drawn three of their last four games to pick up valuable points.
Boston United v Chorley
Chorley travel to Boston looking to get back to winning ways after Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Halifax Town. The Magpies have now lost two of their last three games after the 3-1 defeat t Fylde on New Year’s Day. Boston have had an inconsistent season so far and sit firmly in midtable. The Pilgrims have also completed the signing of former Crawley Town striker Richard Brodie this week.
Darlington 1883 v Gloucester City
After a poor run of form, Darlington will be looking to get back into the play-off places as they face Gloucester. When Darlington drew 1-1 with Fylde in November, they were second in the league. One win in six league games since has seen them fall to sixth and out of the play-offs positions. Gloucester beat bottom-of-the-table Altrincham last week after six straight defeats in the league with has seen them fall away from the promotion picture after a promising start to the season.
Harrogate Town v Bradford PA
Harrogate Town were one of the early season pace setters but since dropped into midtable after a run of two wins in eight league games. Harrogate were once level on points with Fylde but are now eight points off the top five. Bradford are only in the bottom three on goal difference and have won five of their last eight games having been well adrift at the bottom. An impressive up-turn in fortune for Bradford who will look to keep up their charge for survival this weekend.
Stalybridge Celtic v Kidderminster Harriers
Kidderminster will be looking to close the gap to Fylde to six points as they visit relegation strugglers Stalybridge Celtic. Kidderminster’s 3-0 loss to Salford was the Harriers’ first since November but with the Coasters not playing this weekend, Kiddy will see tomorrow as a major opportunity to make up ground on the league leaders. Stalybridge are currently nine points off safety but beat Halifax 1-0 last weekend for only their fourth win of the season.
Tamworth v FC Halifax
Two promotion chasers go head-to-head at The Lamb Ground. Tamworth are currently fifth after an excellent run although last week’s 3-2 win over Curzon Ashton halted a run of two straight defeats, both against Nuneaton Town. Whilst Halifax sit five points off Tamworth, they will be full of confidence going into tomorrow’s match with victory over Chorley in midweek ending a five-game run without a win for Billy Heath’s side. Matt Kosylo and Richard Peniket scored the goals to record an impressive victory.
Worcester City v FC United of Manchester
Despite creating several chances last weekend, FC United eventually fell to a 3-1 loss at Mill Farm. Harry Winter scored for the third game in a row against Fylde but Matty Hughes’ first goal of the season ended any hope of a United revival. Worcester meanwhile are winless in six games and sit only two points above the bottom three. With the reverse meeting between the sides ending in a 1-1 draw in August, Worcester will be hopeful of claiming all three points on their home turf.
Fixtures:
AFC Telford United v Curzon Ashton
Altrincham v Gainsborough Trinity
Boston United v Chorley
Darlington v Gloucester City
Harrogate Town v Bradford Park Avenue
Stalybridge Celtic v Kidderminster Harriers
Tamworth v FC Halifax Town
Worcester City v FC United of Manchester
