Boxing Day is a huge point in the National League season as it marks the start of many teams’ second half of the season.
Although the team at the top of the table may have remained throughout, the rest of the table has been changing week-in-week-out, with plenty of freak results.
It is well-known that Boxing Day always brings plenty of upsets and even more goals. and the National League looks to have yet another great round of fixtures.
The title might be sewn up, with runaway leaders Chesterfield ten points clear with two games in hand but the rest of the table is far from finalised. Every team has something to play for and the margins between the play-off positions and relegation zone are relatively slim.
The Christmas period is hugely congested and some of the teams which are still part-time may well struggle over the period which sees three games in the space of 10 days. Those problems are exacerbated by the gulf in class by some teams over this period and that may well be on show on Boxing Day.
Nonetheless, it will be a great day of National League football, here are five games to monitor closely on Boxing Day…
Solihull Moors Vs Chesterfield
Starting at the top of the table, fourth place Solihull host National League leaders Chesterfield. Although it is still too early to make a definite call, any side that are looking to catch-up with Paul Cook’s side face a huge uphill task.
Although only a couple of positions separate the two sides, a massive 19 point gap stands in Solihull’s way and that shows just how dominant Chesterfield have been this season. Solihull had been in awful form recently, losing five on the bounce prior to beating relegation-threatened Oxford City on Saturday.
It would come as a huge surprise if they were to get anything from the game, as Chesterfield’s class should surely see them through the game but Solihull badly need something from the clash. Having at one point in November looked the most likely challengers alongside Barnet, Andy Whing’s side are now threatened by potentially missing the play-offs. Carrying some momentum into the new year will be pivotal, but it doesn’t look likely from this game.
Dorking Wanderers Vs Oxford City
From the top of the table to the bottom, Dorking Wanderers host Oxford City in a game which has huge implications on the relegation picture. Dorking sit in 20th with Oxford City just behind in 22nd, a win for either would provide a huge boost going into the new year.
Both teams need that, with Dorking picking up just one win in their last seven, and Oxford picking up two wins during that same spell. With both teams operating on a part-time basis, they’re both arguably overachieving being in the National League for a start but do not have the rotational assets available that many opponents will have.
Nonetheless, both sides are in the same boat, and with two of the worst performing defences in the league, expect plenty of goals in this one.
Hartlepool Vs Oldham Athletic
Two seasons ago this would’ve been a League Two matchup, that picture is now very different with both teams somewhat struggling in the National League.
Hartlepool have not taken to non-league football too well and currently sit in 15th and have not got a single win in their last four. As for Oldham, times are slightly more positive with three wins in their last five games but they themselves only sit in 11th.
Although it may historically be an EFL tie, neither side look likely to make a return to League Two this year, however a win here for either would increase their chances at a potential shot of making the final play-off place.
Following Hartlepool’s 4-4 draw with Wealdstone, where at one point they were 3-0, it is yet another game where plenty of goals can be expected.
Aldershot Town Vs Woking
In what has to be the biggest derby in the National League on Boxing Day, Aldershot host a struggling Woking. After their best-ever finish last season, hopes were high for another big season for Woking, yet they find themselves in 17th place.
New manager Michael Doyle took his first game in charge of the Cards for their 0-0 draw against Maidenhead on Saturday but will now be looking to get three point on the board. That is easier said then done however, with Aldershot in 9th place and in touching distance of the play-offs.
The Shots have lost each of their last two National League matches, so the game does come at the right time for Woking. Both sides will be wanting to gain bragging rights on Tuesday, though they may not last too long with the reverse fixture being played on New Years Day.
Southend United Vs Barnet
Southend have no doubt had one of the stories of the season and despite being under a transfer embargo currently and having also been hit with a 10-point deduction this season, sit in an incredibly respectable 14th place. That position gets even more impressive given the fact that they have fielded three or less substitutes for the last couple of months, yet continue to find ways to get results.
Barnet were badly out-of-form prior to thrashing Boreham Wood 6-0 last Saturday, and they’ll now be looking to build upon that result as they travel to Essex.
The fight that Southend have shown all season will make this very tough for Barnet, who need three points to stay in touch with second-placed Bromley. It’s got the hallmarks of a National League cracker and certainly has the potential for an upset.
Senior Editor
