Saturday the 22nd of March marked Non League Day, and as ever it was a roaring success. Of the 163 games from Steps One to Four, 139 games posted above average attendances. On the pitch, as expected, there were plenty of stories. In this article we look at the standouts from Non-League Day and the midweek that followed.
Since the appointment of Graham Coughlan, Boston United had been in spectacular form, with the great escape a distinct possibility. They headed into the game at Victoria Park after winning five away games on the bounce. The hosts had nothing to play for so The Pilgrims were full of confidence.
However, The Monkey Hangers ran out comfortable 4-1 winners. Southend United were the visitors to the Jakemans Community Stadium and looked to pose a tough test after a nine game unbeaten run. However, Coughlan's side ran rampant in the second half after a tight first half ended level.
Goals from Frankie Maguire, Jimmy Knowles and Zach Mills saw Boston United emerge victorious and move them 21st- behind Dagenham and Redbridge on goal difference having played a game fewer.
While all the talk has been about Scunthorpe and their pursuit of the National League North title, it would be foolish to rule out Kidderminster.
Five points separate Chester in fourth and Scunny in first, so a tense finish is in store. Harriers are finding form at the right time having won seven of their last eight, with a draw at Leamington the only blemish on the record. On the 18th of March, Kidderminster beat Scunthorpe 1-0, before a 4-1 win at home to Needham Market. They faced a tough trip to Brackley on Tuesday and emerged 0-1 winners to leapfrog The Saints.
While a lot of league have been tight this season, two leagues in particular stand out for being forgone conclusions long ago.
In front of a packed crowd, Macclesfield defeated relegation battlers Bamber Bridge 2-1 thanks to second half goals from Laurent Mendy and league top scorer Danny Elliot. The Silkmen are 20 points clear at the top of the Northern Premier League Premier Division on 91 points. With six games remaining, Robbie Savage's side look set to break the 100 point barrier on route to the National League North.
While Macclesfield exited Step Three, Farnham Town FC will be playing Step Three football next season after winning the Isthmian League South Central Division at a canter. Town beat Rayners Lane 6-0 to secure promotion, although the title has been won for weeks. Paul Johnson's side are currently 21 points clear having lost just twice this season.
Five wins in a row gave Worthing FC the chance to move seven points clear with away games at strugglers Welling and bottom half side Hornchurch. However, the Rebels lost 2-0 and 1-0 respectively. Chris Agutter's side still sit one point clear but with three points separating fifth and first, the pressure is on the league leaders ahead of three home games in a row.
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