Following an extremely entertaining opening day, we are back for week two of the 2023/24 National League season, with sides aiming to better their previous result, whether that’s building on a win or bouncing back after defeat.
Last weekend oversaw a busy weekend in terms of goals, with 41 goals being scored across the 12 matches, ensuring that every match (on average) saw three goals or more. These fixtures also included some truly bizarre score-lines, shock wins, red cards and so much more.
Beaten play-off finalists Chesterfield responded with a 4-3 victory against Dorking Wanderers, whilst Woking were held to a goalless draw against newly promoted Kidderminster Harriers. However, the shock results continued as Southend United won 4-0 against Oldham Athletic, York City were beaten by Wealdstone and Aldershot Town scored five goals in a single match.
This means that heading into game two, Southend United sit top of the National League standing’s despite the fixture almost being called off just days before the season began. Aldershot and Halifax Town complete the top three, but of course, there are still 45 matches left to play.
This weekend will see the National League continue with several more entertaining clashes. Southend United will be aiming to make it two-from-two as they travel to Dagenham & Redbridge, Chesterfield travel to National League North champions AFC Fylde and Hartlepool United host Gateshead.
With that being said, let’s begin our preview for this weekend’s National League matches…
AFC Fylde vs Chesterfield FC – 3pm, Saturday 12th August
AFC Fylde will be eager to secure their first victory of the season, as they host title favourites Chesterfield on Saturday. Midfielder Nick Haughton secured a goal and assist for Fylde against Maidenhead and will be hopeful of continuing his fine start to the season.
Meanwhile, Chesterfield will be aiming to make it two wins from two on Saturday, following their opening day victory against Dorking Wanderers. Ryan Colclough grabbed a goal and assist for his side, but will face competition following the arrival of Michael Jacobs, which will only strengthen Paul Cook’s side.
Head-to-head record:
Home 0 – Draws 2 – Away 3
23/24 Form:
AFC Fylde: D
Last Game: Maidenhead United 2-2 AFC Fylde
Chesterfield: W
Last Game: Chesterfield 4-3 Dorking Wanderers
Boreham Wood vs FC Halifax Town – 3pm, Saturday 12th August
Luke Garrard’s side will be hopeful of building on last week’s draw with Gateshead, as they host Halifax. The hosts have parted ways with defender Dion Kelly-Evans and will have forward Timmy Abraham suspended as they prepare themselves for their opening home game.
Meanwhile, Halifax got themselves off to the perfect start with a victory against Bromley and will be aiming to make it two wins in two. Millenic Alli got himself on the scoresheet for the visitors, as did Jack Evans as they kept a clean sheet and sit third in the standings.
Head-to-head record:
Boreham Wood 6 – Draws 5 – FC Halifax Town 3
23/24 Form:
Boreham Wood: D
Last Game: Gateshead 2-2 Boreham Wood
FC Halifax Town: W
Last Game: FC Halifax Town 2-0 Bromley
Bromley FC vs Barnet FC – 5:30pm, Saturday 12th August
Picking up from the previous game, Bromley will be targeting a fight-back, following their defeat at Halifax. Likewise, Michael Cheek will be targeting his first goal of the 2023/24 season this weekend as they face strong opposition in the form of Barnet.
Speaking of Barnet, they enjoyed a successful opening day as they beat newly-relegated Hartlepool United 3-2. Despite the loss of Ryan De Havilland, the Bees were able to start strong, including goals from star striker Nicke Kabamba and debutant Adebola Oluwo.
Head-to-head record:
Bromley 4 – Draws 3 – Barnet 3
23/24 Form:
Bromley: L
Last Game: FC Halifax Town 2-0 Bromley
Barnet: W
Last Game: Barnet 3-2 Hartlepool United
Dagenham & Redbridge vs Southend United – 3pm, Saturday 12th August
Dagenham & Redbridge experienced a tough start to the campaign as they were held to a draw against Altrincham. Defender Harry Phipps grabbed a crucial goal for the club after connecting with a Josh Hare cross as they sit 13th in the division.
On the other hand, Southend United experienced an opening day to cherish as they cruised past Oldham at Roots Hall. Southend won the match 4-0, with some impressive performances from the likes of Callum Powell, Harry Cardwell and Oli Coker.
Head-to-head record:
Dag & Red 5 – Draws 5 – Southend 8
23/24 Form:
Dagenham & Redbridge: D
Last Game: Altrincham 1-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
Southend United: W
Last Game: Southend United 4-0 Oldham Athletic
Dorking Wanderers vs Maidenhead United – 3pm, Saturday 12th August
It was a frustrating start to the season for Dorking as they were beaten 4-3 against Chesterfield on the opening day of the season. However, the big positive was forward Jason Prior scoring twice on the opening day, giving him more confidence ahead of Saturday’s match.
Meanwhile, Maidenhead themselves had a strong start to the campaign, despite being pegged back by AFC Fylde. Forward Reece Smith scored once, before converting a second, which was put-down as an own goal. He will be raring to go ahead of a tough trip.
Head-to-head record:
Dorking 1 – Draws 1 – Maidenhead 0
23/24 Form:
Dorking Wanderers: L
Last Game: Chesterfield 4-3 Dorking Wanderers
Maidenhead United: D
Last Game: Maidenhead United 2-2 AFC Fylde
Eastleigh FC vs Wealdstone FC – 3pm, Saturday 12th August
It was almost the perfect start to Eastleigh’s season last week, before they conceded a 91st minute equaliser. Debutant Enzio Boldewijn marked his debut with his first goal for the club, connecting with a Charlie Cooper cross and will be aiming to pick up their first win this weekend.
Elsewhere, Wealdstone produced a shock win against ten-man York City last week, with substitute Max Kreztschmar scoring an equaliser before assisting the winner, which was converted by defender Jaydn Mundle-Smith, but can they make it two wins from two games?
Head-to-head record:
Eastleigh 4 – Draws 1 – Wealdstone 2
23/24 Form:
Eastleigh: D
Last Game: Solihull Moors 1-1 Eastleigh
Wealdstone: W
Last Game: Wealdstone 2-1 York City
Ebbsfleet United vs Solihull Moors – 3pm, Saturday 12th August
Newly promoted Ebbsfleet United will be aiming to make it two wins from two as they host Solihull Moors this weekend. The club secured a big win against Rochdale on the opening day, courtesy of a strike from Luke O’Neill after some good work by Toby Edser but will face a tough battle against Andy Whing’s men.
On the other hand, Solihull defender Kyle Morrison grabbed a late equaliser, following some good work from Joe Newton to rescue a point against Eastleigh. During their first away game, the club will be hopeful of landing their first victory of the campaign.
Head-to-head record:
Ebbsfleet 2 – Draws 0 – Solihull Moors 3
23/24 Form:
Ebbsfleet United: W
Last Game: Rochdale 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
Solihull Moors: D
Last Game: Solihull Moors 1-1 Eastleigh
Hartlepool United vs Gateshead FC – 3pm, Saturday 12th August
Following their opening day defeat, John Askey’s men will be plotting to win their first National League match of the campaign. They were beaten by a strong Barnet side last time out but will be keen to use that as motivation to have a much-improved performance this weekend.
Meanwhile, Gateshead were held to a 2-2 draw against a strong Boreham Wood side last weekend and will be eager to turn that into a win this weekend. Debutant Regan Booty played a starring role, whilst Jordan Hunter and Marcus Dinanga grabbed their first strikes of the season.
Head-to-head record:
Hartlepool 1 – Draws 2 – Gateshead 1
23/24 Form:
Hartlepool United: L
Last Game: Barnet 3-2 Hartlepool United
Gateshead: D
Last Game: Gateshead 2-2 Boreham Wood
Oldham Athletic vs Aldershot Town – 3pm, Saturday 12th August
Following their heavy opening day defeat, Oldham will be hoping to bounce back during their first home game of the season. Despite numerous exciting additions, the club were beaten 4-0 by Southend United and currently sit bottom of the National League standings.
Aldershot on the other hand, secured a five-star performance on the opening day as their cruised to a 5-2 win against Oxford City. Forward Lorent Tolaj grabbed a brace, whilst young debutant Josh Stokes finished a strong team move to send the side second in the table.
Head-to-head record:
Oldham 1 – Draws 1 – Aldershot 0
23/24 Form:
Oldham Athletic: L
Last Game: Southend United 4-0 Oldham Athletic
Aldershot Town: W
Last Game: Aldershot Town 5-2 Oxford City
Oxford City vs Rochdale AFC – 3pm, Saturday 12th August
Following on from the previous game, Oxford City will be targeting their first victory of the season as they host newly-relegated Rochdale. Despite conceding five goals, there were positives for Oxford with last season’s top-scorer Josh Parker netting a brace.
Rochdale suffered a surprise defeat against Ebbsfleet United last weekend and will be hopeful that history doesn’t repeat itself against another side that was in the sixth tier last season. The club have lost midfielder Cody Johnson but have added Port Vale’s Tommy McDermott as a replacement.
Head-to-head record:
Oxford 0 – Draws 0 – Rochdale 0
23/24 Form:
Oxford City: L
Last Game: Aldershot Town 5-2 Oxford City
Rochdale AFC: L
Last Game: Rochdale 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
Woking FC vs Altrincham FC – 3pm, Saturday 12th August
Following a difficult start to their 2023/24 National League preparations, Woking will be targeting their first victory of the season as they host Altrincham. The club were held by Kidderminster on the opening day, but the positive is that goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen gained his first clean sheet of the campaign.
On the flip side, Altrincham were also held on the opening day of the campaign, creating the prospect of a very entertaining match this weekend. Midfielder Chris Conn-Clarke grabbed his first goal since making his move permanent to earn his side a point.
Head-to-head record:
Woking 9 – Draws 4 – Altrincham 5
23/24 Form:
Woking FC: D
Last Game: Kidderminster Harriers 0-0 Woking
Altrincham: D
Last Game: Altrincham 1-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
York City vs Kidderminster Harriers – 3pm, Saturday 12th August
A first home game under the new era for York City as they host newly promoted Kidderminster. York suffered a surprise defeat against Wealdstone on the opening day, with debutant Callum Howe receiving a red card. On the flip side, Dipo Akinyemi grabbed a debut goal to get himself off the mark.
Finally, Kidderminster began their National League return with a goalless draw against play-off chasing Woking. Despite having half of their defence cautioned last week, the club were able to hang on to earn their first clean sheet and will be hopeful of turning that draw into a victory.
Head-to-head record:
York 10 – Draws 10 – Kidderminster 14
23/24 Form:
York City: L
Last Game: Wealdstone FC 2-1 York City
Kidderminster Harriers: D
Last Game: Kidderminster Harriers 0-0 Woking
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