Aldershot Beat The Bees, Woking In Trouble & Eastleigh Hit Five: National League Game Week Roundup – Opinion

Following Saturday’s thrilling match day, the National League returned on Tuesday evening for even more twists and turns as the battle for survival and promotion continued to heat up, but what exactly went down?

Unfortunately, the weather and an FA Trophy clash saw several National League fixtures postponed. As a result, FC Halifax Town, Rochdale, Boreham Wood, Dorking Wanderers and the league leaders Chesterfield were all absent whilst Wealdstone were in FA Trophy action against Non-League side Hendon FC.

Fortunately for the Stones, they overcame their opponents to secure a quarter-final tie against fellow National League side Solihull Moors next month as the race to Wembley in the FA Trophy continued,

However, focussing our attention back onto the National League, here is what went down in last night’s action…

Bromley slip up

Despite producing one of the performances of the season against Chesterfield last weekend, Bromley were forced to settle for a point against Dagenham & Redbridge. The home side scored twice in the final eight minutes of the first half (including stoppage time) to lead 2-0.

However, Dagenham pulled one back through Ling in the 70th minute, before their patience was rewarded in the 94th minute through Rees to force Bromley to settle for a point.

With Chesterfield not playing, Bromley had the perfect opportunity to reduce the gap to 17 points, but instead, their hard work could be unravelled if the Spireites win their game in hand.

Does anyone want the playoffs?

Following Saturday’s action, both Barnet and Solihull Moors looked worthy of a place in the top seven but within days, they lost their advantage on teams below them after the Bees were beaten by Aldershot Town and Solihull were held against AFC Fylde.

Gateshead took full advantage of the slip-up as they beat Kidderminster Harriers 2-0 to climb up to sixth, with Aldershot up to fifth. Oldham Athletic were held away to York City but are also inside the top seven. Elsewhere, Hartlepool United gave themselves a major push as they moved to within six points of the top seven after victory against Altrincham.

As a result of the final scores, Solihull Moors missed out on the chance to cut the gap on Barnet to just three points and now are only two points ahead of Altrincham in eighth having played a game more. Kevin Phillips’ Hartlepool, as well as Gateshead and Aldershot, have taken full advantage.

Who is going down?

Following an impressive set of results, there are now only four points separating Dagenham & Redbridge in 11th and Dorking Wanderers down in 21st place, meaning anyone within that gap could be in the relegation zone this weekend.

Bottom side Oxford City have slipped to ten points off safety after they lost 5-2 at home to Eastleigh who have subsequently climbed into the top half. Meanwhile, defeats for Kidderminster Harriers and Woking have also left them in danger of going down.

Dominic Poleon’s goal for Ebbsfleet United took them out of the bottom four at the expense of Dorking Wanderers although the Fleet have played two games more. Southend United beat Maidenhead but remain level on points with the relegation zone despite sitting 18th themselves.

Elsewhere, the worrying statement surrounding Rochdale leaves them staring administration and potentially liquidation in the face. If this were to occur, Dale would be deducted ten points which would leave them 23rd in the National League and seven points from safety.

What’s next?

This weekend will see the continuation of another thrilling weekend of National League football as the battle to clinch the top seven and/or survival continues. The league leaders host Rochdale whilst Bromley travel to Eastleigh.

Solihull Moors host Hartlepool United in what is potentially the game of the weekend, rivalled with a thrilling relegation six-pointer involving Dorking Wanderers against Ebbsfleet United. Oxford City could be left on the brink of relegation if sides above them continue to hit form whilst they lose against Gateshead.

Either way, supporters can expect another jam-packed weekend of footballing action in the National League that’s for sure.