National League North Match Previews & Predictions: August 16, 2025

The National League North continues on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with a thrilling line-up of matches that promise drama, passion, and fierce competition. Fresh off an action-packed opening weekend, teams are eager to make their mark and set the tone for the season. From tight contests to potential upsets, here’s a look at what’s in store for fans across the division.

AFC Telford United vs. Curzon Ashton (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: AFC Telford United head into their home opener at New Bucks Head buoyed by a hard-fought draw on the road last week. Their resilience will be tested by Curzon Ashton, who showed similar grit in their opening match. Both sides are desperate to turn draws into victories, and with vocal home support, Telford will look to seize the initiative. Curzon, however, are no strangers to spoiling the party on away turf. Expect a tightly contested affair with both teams pushing for early dominance.

Prediction: AFC Telford United 1-1 Curzon Ashton, with neither side giving an inch.

Alfreton Town vs. Darlington (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: Alfreton Town return to Impact Arena after a lively opening draw that showcased their attacking intent. They face a Darlington side stinging from a narrow home defeat but brimming with potential to bounce back. Alfreton’s home advantage could tilt the scales, but Darlington’s hunger to prove themselves makes this a must-watch clash. Fans can expect an open, end-to-end battle as both teams chase their first win of the season.

Prediction: Alfreton Town 2-1 Darlington, with home form just edging it.

Chorley vs. Chester (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: Chorley welcome Chester to Victory Park in what promises to be one of the weekend’s standout fixtures. Chorley’s thrilling away win last week has them riding high, but Chester’s equally dramatic victory at home showed they’re a force to be reckoned with. With both teams oozing confidence, this clash could be a goal-fest, with the home crowd urging Chorley to keep their momentum and Chester looking to steal the show on the road.

Prediction: Chorley 2-2 Chester, with both sides sharing the spoils in a lively draw.

Hereford vs. King’s Lynn Town (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: Hereford are eager to put a disappointing opening loss behind them as they welcome King’s Lynn Town to Edgar Street. The Bulls will lean on their passionate home support to ignite their campaign, but King’s Lynn, coming off a solid draw, have the tools to frustrate their hosts. This matchup is all about redemption for Hereford and consistency for the visitors, setting the stage for a compelling battle.

Prediction: Hereford 1-0 King’s Lynn Town, with home advantage proving the difference.

Leamington vs. South Shields (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: Leamington host South Shields at Your Co-Op Community Stadium, both teams coming off strong opening performances. Leamington’s battling draw on the road showed their resolve, while South Shields’ narrow home win highlighted their ability to grind out results. This clash will test both sides’ early-season credentials, with Leamington’s home crowd facing South Shields’ disciplined approach. Expect a tense, tactical encounter.

Prediction: Leamington 1-1 South Shields, with both teams evenly matched.

Marine vs. Buxton (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: Marine are back at Marine Travel Arena, desperate to rebound from a frustrating opening defeat. Buxton, fresh off a hard-fought victory, arrive with confidence and momentum. The home crowd will rally behind Marine as they seek to spark their season, but Buxton’s recent form makes them a formidable challenge. This match promises intensity as both sides look to assert themselves.

Prediction: Marine 0-1 Buxton, with Buxton’s momentum carrying them through.

Oxford City vs. Macclesfield (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: Oxford City face a daunting task at RAW Charging Stadium as they host Macclesfield, who kicked off their campaign with an impressive win. Oxford’s opening loss exposed some vulnerabilities, but their home support could inspire a turnaround. Macclesfield, brimming with attacking confidence, will look to dominate, setting up a clash of contrasting fortunes. Fans can expect a lively contest with plenty at stake.

Prediction: Oxford City 1-2 Macclesfield, with Macclesfield’s attack proving too strong.

Peterborough Sports vs. Merthyr Town (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: Peterborough Sports welcome Merthyr Town to Lincoln Road, both teams coming off contrasting results. Peterborough’s narrow defeat last week showed their fighting spirit, while Merthyr’s convincing win has them riding high. The home side will look to harness their crowd’s energy, but Merthyr’s clinical edge makes them a dangerous opponent. This matchup could go down to the wire.

Prediction: Peterborough Sports 1-1 Merthyr Town, with both teams sharing the points.

Radcliffe vs. Spennymoor Town (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: Radcliffe are eager to get their season on track at Stainton Park after a tough opening loss. Spennymoor Town, buoyed by a dominant home win, arrive as favourites, looking to keep their momentum going. Radcliffe’s home support will demand a response, but Spennymoor’s confidence could make this a challenging day for the hosts. Expect a gritty, determined battle.

Prediction: Radcliffe 0-2 Spennymoor Town, with Spennymoor’s form prevailing.

Scarborough Athletic vs. AFC Fylde (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: Scarborough Athletic face a tough test at Flamingo Land Stadium as they take on AFC Fylde, who started the season with a thrilling victory. Scarborough’s opening defeat has them hungry for a response, and their home crowd will be out in force. Fylde, however, are brimming with attacking confidence, promising a clash that could light up the scoreboard.

Prediction: Scarborough Athletic 1-2 AFC Fylde, with Fylde’s attack securing the win.

Southport vs. Bedford Town (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: Southport return to Haig Avenue looking to bounce back from an opening loss, with their passionate fans ready to roar them on. Bedford Town, coming off a spirited draw, will aim to spoil the party and build on their early resilience. This matchup promises drama, as Southport seek to ignite their campaign and Bedford look for an upset.

Prediction: Southport 2-1 Bedford Town, with home advantage tipping the scales.

Worksop Town vs. Kidderminster Harriers (Kick-off: 15:00)

Preview: Worksop Town host Kidderminster Harriers at Sandy Lane, desperate to recover from a tough opening defeat. Kidderminster, fresh off a narrow victory, will look to assert their dominance on the road. The home crowd will rally behind Worksop, but Kidderminster’s disciplined approach makes them a formidable foe. Expect a hard-fought battle with both teams giving their all.

Prediction: Worksop Town 0-1 Kidderminster Harriers, with Kidderminster’s form continuing.

National League Natter’s Predicted Table

Here is National League Natter’s predicted table. The table reflects early frontrunners like Macclesfield, AFC Fylde, and Spennymoor Town pushing for top spots, while teams like Radcliffe and Hereford fight to climb from the bottom.

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