There was a touch of bank holiday madness in both the National League North and South this weekend with Gateshead and Brackley, as well as Maidstone and Dorking dropping important points. Plus with significant results at the bottom of the tables, it’s setting things up for a very interesting end of season.
Both Gateshead and Brackley Town dropped points over the bank holiday weekend as they raced for the top-spot of the National League North table. Gateshead’s 3-1 home win over Southport on Saturday was predictable enough, but few would have predicted that the team would then be held to a 2-2 draw at Chorley on Monday.
Brackley had a worse time of things. They suffered a surprise 0-1 home defeat against Blyth Spartans on Saturday and were then held to an away 2-2 draw against Hereford. The results mean that Gateshead have extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.
Further down the table, Fylde were held to a goalless draw at Kettering before being beaten 2-1 away at York City who’ve now won three games on the bounce. Kidderminster Harriers also experienced mixed form with a fine 3-0 home win over Guiseley being balanced out by a 2-0 away defeat against Leamington. Elsewhere Chorley picked up a point apiece with draws against Gloucester and Gateshead.
Guiseley managed to keep their survival hopes alive thanks to Kaine Felix’s goal being enough to seal a 1-0 home win against Spennymoor. With results going against relegation-threatened Telford and Farsley, it’s going to be a bitter battle to avoid the drop this May.
Given both team’s incredible recent form, few people would have predicted Maidstone and Dorking to drop points over the bank holiday weekend. While Maidstone cruised to an excellent 3-1 win over Chelmsford on Saturday that saw them gain the National South title, they came apart on Monday when the relegation-threatened Welling somehow earned a 3-2 home win.
Dorking slipped to a 1-0 surprise away defeat to mid-table St Albans on Saturday which effectively gave Maidstone the title, before avenging themselves with an exciting home 4-3 win over Dulwich on Monday.
At the bottom of the table, Welling’s remarkable win over Maidstone was compounded by Billericay’s defeat against Ebbsfleet to give Welling a real shot at National South survival. It might be too little too late for Ebbsfleet this season although the team can hold up their heads high with an unbeaten run being extended with a draw against Chippenham.
High flyers Dartford enjoyed a remarkable 6-0 away win over Slough on Saturday before being dragged back down to reality with Monday’s 0-1 defeat by Braintree. Relegation threatened Chelmsford and Tonbridge all lost points over the bank holiday weekend, while Bath’s recent form could be enough to lead them to safety.
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