National League Preview 16th March – Thomas Feaheny
I'm Tom Feahney and these are my National League picks, so we're now entering the final stages of the current campaign and there's still plenty to play for.
It's interesting to note that these fixtures that are played this weekend are from the corresponding fixtures that were played near the start of the season in mid August when there really was so much on the line.
So now let's start with the first game and that is Oldham Athletic going up against Chesterfield. The last time these two sides faced each other, there was late drama and plenty of temper as well, shown by both teams. No love lost on and off the pitch so in terms of this game, I'm going to say that a score draw seems a good bet with the attacking talent that both sides have.
I also think that over 2.5 yellow cards in this game is good odds as well. It won't be a bad result for Chesterfield as they move a step nearer to being crowned National League champions and gaining promotion back into the EFL.
Selection – Oldham v Chesterfield – Draw and Over 2.5 cards in the game
We're talking about another side that our aiming for a top seven place come the end of the season and that is FC Halifax Town. Now they're on their travels this weekend going up against the team that they drew 1-1 with back in August and that is Oxford City who look certain to be relegated this season and go back to Step 2.
FC Halifax Town have had a decent run of form, but they have had a few blips as well. For Oxford City, it now simply is a case that their manager has already said it. They know that they really are fighting against the tide with them and it will be interesting to see whether or not they're able to create, create something and get what would be an important three points in their quest to do the impossible.
I don't think that will be the case though, and that FC Halifax Town's quality will show and they will be the team that gain the win. I'm gonna say over 2.5 goals in this as well.
Selection – FC Halifax Town win and over 2.5 goals in the game.
When looking at the away league table for the campaign, Solihull Moors have really impressed. It's going to be a really tough game for them though this weekend as they go up against Dorking Wanderers their boss Mark White with a clear message that his side are underdogs and they're going to relish every game that happens between now and the end of the season.
Dorking showed the quality that they can have in that win against Chesterfield a few weeks back and they'll be backed with a good support as well. So I think it will be Dorking who are able to gain what would be the really important three points in their quest to stay in the National League division for next season.
Selection – Dorking Wanderers