Midweek preview: A look at tonight’s National League South action

(Picture: Matt Bradshaw)
By Matt Badcock
CHELMSFORD CITY can extend their lead at the top of the table tonight with a win at Hampton & Richmond Borough.
With second-place East Thurrock and third-place St Albans not in action, Rod Stringer’s side will be looking for three points after having to settle for one against Bognor Regis on Saturday.
Havant & Waterlooville have climbed up to fourth in the table with three wins in a row. The Hawks spent one season at Step 3 following relegation and they’re certainly making up for lost time. Lee Bradbury’s side host seventh-place Truro City this evening.
Braintree Town arrived in the division from the other end, following their relegation from the National League.
Former captain Brad Quinton was appointed as new manager and his side have started well with Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Oxford City their fifth win of the season. Welling United will be aiming to spoil the party later today.
Dartford fell out of the promotion race at the play-off semi-final stage last season and they find themselves in sixth place early on.
Despite losing just once, Tony Burman’s side have won three and drawn four of their first eight games. They’re making the trip south to managerless, and winless, Whitehawk, who picked up a point against Poole Town on Saturday following the resignation of boss Jimmy Dack in midweek.
Gloucester City have shot up the table to eighth with four wins on the bounce. Tim Harris takes his side on the short trip to Chippenham Town – the Southern Premier champions who have won just twice so far.
Eastbourne Borough have won two on the bounce and they will be hoping to make it three this evening when they host Concord Rangers, who have lost three on the spin.
Poole Town, barred from last season’s play-offs because of ground grading issues, take on Hemel Hempstead, Bath City host Oxford City, and Hungerford are on their travels to Bognor Regis Town.
Hungerford saw manager Bobby Wilkinson resign last month after seven successful years in charge. He subsequently took over at Wealdstone after long-serving boss Gordon Bartlett stepped down – the Stones face a Weston-super-Mare side sat second from bottom and without a win in four games.