National League preview

Just nine days after the season began, we are ready for a fourth round of National League fixtures and some tantalizing games await us this evening.
AFC Fylde vs Solihull Moors
After reaching the play-offs last season, Fylde have had a decent start to the season, picking up five points from their opening three games. The Coasters secured a well earned point at newly promoted Havent & Waterlooville at the weekend with top marksman Danny Rowe firing home his second of the season.
Fylde will come up against an inform Solihull side who have picked up maximum points so far this season. Tim Flowers’ side edged passed Aldershot on Saturday thanks to a second half Danny Wright strike.
Aldershot vs Dag & Red
Gary Waddock’s Aldershot side appear to be suffering a slight hang over from their play-off exploits last season. The Shots currently sit at the bottom of the table, secured just one point in their opening three league games.
New Dagenham manager Peter Taylor has looked to inject an element of stability at the club following the departure of previous boss John Still. The Daggers picked up their first point of the campaign with a hard fought 2-2 draw with Maidenhead at the weekend.
Barrow vs Chesterfield
Barrow gained an impressive point at Leyton Orient on Saturday thanks to a late Raul Correia equalizer. Ian Evatt’s side have had a mixed start to the campaign, picking up a win, a loss and a draw.
Martin Allen’s Chesterfield have proven their billing as one of the pre-season favorites for promotion, having recorded maximum points from their first three games of the campaign. The Spireites sit in second place after Saturday’s narrow 1-0 win over Braintree.
Boreham Wood vs Gateshead
Luke Garrard’s Boreham Wood are sitting in mid table after a heavy 3-0 defeat against Wrexham at the weekend. Wood must quickly get over last season’s play-off heartbreak if they are to mount another push for promotion this year.
After a rather turbulent off season, Gatesehad’s fortunes have taken a turn for the best both on and off the pitch. Following a takeover on the eve of the new campaign, Steve Watson’s side have won every game so far this season.
Braintree vs Hartepool
Braintree have found the going tough so far this season following promotion from the National League South. However, the Iron have shown encouraging signs in recent performances and were a little unlucky to leave Chesterfield with no points at the weekend.
Matthew Bates’ new look Hartlepool side are still finding their feet this season after recording two draws and a loss. Saturday’s defeat at home to Ebbsfleet was disappointing but tonight offer a chance for Pools to kick start their season.
Dover vs Havant & Waterlooville
Dover had to endure a long trip back to Kent after conceding a late winner at Gateshead on Saturday. Chris Kinnear’s side have just one point to their name so far this season but will be hopeful of picking up a victory against last season’s National League South winners this evening.
Havant have looked to gain stability after reaching the promised land of the National League and picked up an impressive point against AFC Fylde at the weekend
Eastleigh vs Bromley
Eastleigh picked up their first win of the season on Saturday after Paul McCallum’s second half strike gave the Spitfires a surprise 2-1 victory at Barnet.
Bromley stumbled to a second consecutive draw over the weekend as they were held by newly promoted Harrogate at Hayes Lane.
Ebbsfleet vs Sutton United
Ebbsfleet are sitting in 9th position in the National League table after their impressive victory at Hartlepool last time out. The Fleet suffered a defeat against Martin Allen’s Cheserfield on the opening day before securing an impressive point at Leyton Orient last Tuesday.
Sutton picked up an impressive victory against promotion favorites Salford on Saturday. Goals from Craig Eastmond and Ross Lafayette gave Sutton all three points, which pushed them up to sixth position.
Harrogate vs Barnet
Last weekend’s draw at Bromley was Harrogate’s third straight stalemate this season as Town continue to find their feet in the National League. Dom Knowles’ late equalizer ensured that Harrogate made the trip back up to Yorkshire from Kent with a point to their name.
John Still’s much changed Barnet side have found the going tough so far this season, having drawn once and lost twice.
Maidenhead vs Wrexham
Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Dagenham saw Maidenhead pick up their first point in what has been a tricky start to the season. The Magpies lost to Gateshead (3-1) and Solihull Moors (1-0) in their opening two games.
Sam Rickett’s looks to have got Wrexham playing the kind of football needed for a promotion push. Rickett’s side looked the part on Saturday as the dismantled Boreham Wood to secure an impressive 3-0 victory.
Maidstone United vs Leyton Orient
A 3-0 loss to table toppers FC Halifax Town may threaten to take the wind out of Maidstone’s sails after the Stones picked up four points in their first two league games.
Leyton Orient have picked up three draws from their first three games and were unlucky not to take all three points at the weekend after falling to a late equalizer at home to Barrow.
Salford vs FC Halifax Town
At the start of the campaign, Salford were the bookies tips to win the league. However, so far things have not gone according to plan for Gary Alexander’s side. Despite have a huge amount of star power within their ranks, the Ammies have struggled to adapt to the rigors of the National League.
In direct contrast to their hosts this evening, FC Halifax Town have surprised fans and pundits alike so far this season for all the right reasons. The Shaymen are sitting pretty at the top of the table having secured maximum points from their first three games. Jamie Fullarton’s side have looked impressive when beating Braintree, Barrow and Maidstone this campaign but will be in for a tough challenge tonight against a Salford side who will be determined to prove their promotion credentials.