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Next Game: Oxford City At Edgar Street On Tuesday 5th November At 7.45pm

Monday, August 20, 2018

National North Weekend Review

Saturday 18th August saw the fifth set of Vanarama National League fixtures, and one again there were some high scoring matches, clocking in at nearly four goals a game.  Chorley left it late to clinch victory over Hereford, with a 90th minute goal settling the battle of the top two.  Boston United took advantage of Hereford’s slip up to move into second and continue their impressive start to the season.  AFC Telford United, still unbeaten, moved into third with another high scoring match at Spennymoor, the Shropshire side running out 3-2 winners.  In another game between high flying teams, Bradford (Park Avenue) shared the points with Stockport County and both remain in the playoff spots.  The final spot is held by Leamington, who were held at home by Guiseley, picking up their second away point in five days.

At the bottom of the table, Southport clicked into gear, dispatching Nuneaton Borough at Liberty Way by 4 goals to 1. Nuneaton take the place of their conquerors at the foot of the table.  FC United of Manchester drop back into the relegation places through no fault of their own – their match at Chester being the second consecutive home game called off after flood damage earlier this week, Chester have not been able to kick a ball in anger since last weekend's 8-1 drubbing at Blyth.

York’s mixed start to the season saw them held at home by Curzon Ashton, and although they are only one place outside the playoffs, this result saw the first managerial casualty of the season as the Minstermen dispensed with the services of Martin Grey and his assistant Shaun Gregan.  They are joined on seven points by Alfreton Town, who beat blyth Spartans 3-1 at the Impact Arena and Curzon Ashton. 

Kidderminster, a game behind due to their postponement at Chester and having drawn their first three matches got their first win on the board with a 5-2 triumph over our next opponents Darlington ; and FA Trophy holders Brackley also scored five to put their indifferent start behind them with a 5-1 win against Ashford United.

The average attendance across the five matches on Saturday dropped below 1000 for the first time this season, with the largest crowd (2192) at York, and just over 1500 at both Chorley and Kidderminster.  The only other gate over 1000 was at the J Davidson.  The NLN lowest crowd of the season so far was the 180 at Ashton United for the Brackley game