This weeks match in focus sees Yorkshire rivals Halifax Town host York City at the Shay. Matthew O'Regan previews the match and gives his best bets ahead of the highly anticipated clash.
A stellar end to the last campaign saw the Shaymen sneak into the playoffs, before losing to Solihull Moors 4-2 in the playoffs. Chris Millington is aiming for more of the same this year and has his side sat in eighth place.
As ever, Halifax have been defensively resolute, conceding just 14 goals in 15 games. They've also struggled in front of goal, with their 17 goals scored the fewest in the top 16 in the league. Billy Waters is their top scorer with just three goals.
Halifax tend to perform better on their travels, picking up 37 points compared to 34 when at home last season. This season they've picked up 11 points from seven away games and 12 points from eight home.
York sit second in the league, one point off leaders Forest Green. After a tumultuous first season with Matt Uggla ownership that nearly saw them relegated to the National League North, the Minstermen faithful will be delighted with the start that Adam Hinshelwood has made in his first full season in charge.
Dubbed the 'North Worthing' York signed four players in Harrison Male, Ricky Aguiar, Ollie Pearce and Joe Felix who previously worked under Hinshelwood at the South- coast club. An abundance of attacking talent such as Tyrese Sinclair and Ashley Nathaniel-George was also signed, with many people expecting York to resemble the Worthing side that scored more than 100 goals in one season under Hinshelwood.
While York have been strong in attack, scoring 26 goals in 15 games, it is their defence that has caught the eye. The Minstermen have conceded just eight goals, keeping nine clean sheets in 15 games. It looks to be a four-horse race for the title between Barnet, Gateshead, York and Forest Green, so a win away at a strong Halifax side will be the aim for York.
Ollie Pearce had a host of interest from Football League and National League sides in the summer. The 29-year-old opted to sign for York, making the step up to professional football for the first time in his career.
It felt a move that was a long time coming, with Pearce boasting 155 goals in 245 appearances over a six-year spell for the Rebels. This included 46 goals in 51 appearances for Worthing last season, sweeping home the Golden Boot by some distance.
He has smoothly transitioned to full-time football and is currently York's top scorer with six goals. This includes a brace on the weekend against Ebbsfleet and the crucial goal in the 3-1 win over title contenders Barnet.
Hinshelwood trusts Pearce the most of any of his attackers and the prolific talisman looks a tempting price to add to his ever-growing goal tally on the weekend.
Prediction: Ollie Pearce to score anytime @3.40 - bet365
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