National League Match Previews: 19 & 20 August 2025

The National League is heating up with a thrilling midweek schedule, featuring eleven matches across 19 and 20 August 2025. Below, we preview the five fixtures on 19 August (noting that Scunthorpe United vs. Morecambe has been postponed) and the six fixtures on 20 August, based on recent performances, key players, and tactical trends .
A table of goal scorers is added at the end, to highlight the teams’ attacking threats. .

19 August 2025 National League Previews

Altrincham vs. Hartlepool United (19:45)

Venue: The J. Davidson Stadium

Recent Form: Altrincham have kicked off the 2025/26 season in fine form, securing two wins from two. They edged out Aldershot Town 3-2 in a cracking opener, with Keiron Reddin, Lewis Banks, and Jimmy Knowles scoring, showcasing their attacking depth. Their second match saw a 2-1 defeat to Rochdale, but Kieran Ward’s goal proved they remain competitive.
Altrincham’s high-pressing style and quick transitions have been effective, with Keiron Reddin and Jimmy Knowles standing out.

Hartlepool United have been solid, drawing 0-0 with Yeovil Town before beating Braintree Town 2-0, thanks to an own goal and Alex Reid’s penalty. Simon Grayson’s side rely on a sturdy defensive setup, with Alex Reid’s physicality causing problems up top. Their knack for grinding out results on the road makes them a tricky opponent.

Preview: Altrincham will look to make home advantage count at The J. Davidson Stadium, where they’ve shown they can score freely.
Expect Keiron Reddin and Jimmy Knowles to test Hartlepool’s backline, particularly down the flanks. Hartlepool will aim to frustrate with their compact shape and rely on Alex Reid to nick a goal on the break. Given Altrincham’s attacking momentum and Hartlepool’s defensive resolve, this could be a close contest, likely ending in a draw or a narrow home win.

Prediction: Altrincham 2-1 Hartlepool United

Boston United vs. Halifax Town (19:45)

Venue: Jakemans Community Stadium

Recent Form: Boston United have made a strong start to their National League campaign after promotion from the National League North. They secured a 3-2 win over Aldershot Town, with Louie John-Lewis scoring twice and George Sloggett adding a third.
Their physical approach and set-piece prowess shone through, though defensive lapses let Aldershot back into the game.
Boston’s home form will be key as they aim to cement their place in the fifth tier.

Halifax Town have struggled, suffering 3-0 defeats to Braintree Town and Wealdstone. Despite the score lines, David Kawa’s goal against Wealdstone showed some attacking intent, but a red card to Will Harris exposed their fragility when down to 10 men.

Preview: Boston United will fancy their chances at home, where their direct style and set-piece threat could trouble Halifax’s shaky defence. Louie John-Lewis, already with three goals, will be the focal point. Halifax need to tighten up at the back and hope David Kawa can spark their attack, but their inability to keep clean sheets is a worry. Boston’s momentum and home support should give them the edge in a physical battle.

Prediction: Boston United 2-0 Halifax Town

Carlisle United vs. Solihull Moors (19:45)

Venue: Brunton Park

Recent Form: Carlisle United, relegated from League Two, are among the favourites for promotion and have shown why. They beat Woking 2-0 in their opener, with Luke Armstrong and Ethan Robson scoring, and followed up with a 3-3 thriller against Boreham Wood, where Ryan Linney bagged a brace. Ryan Linney, who scored 23 goals for Altrincham last season, has hit the ground running, supported by creative players like Jonny Ellis and Cameron Harper.
Solihull Moors have had a mixed start, drawing 2-2 with Forest Green Rovers despite Daniel Lipsiuc’s early red card. Goals from Ollie Rutherford and Joe Clarke showed resilience, but defensive frailties were exposed. Solihull’s ability to score makes them dangerous, but they’ll need to shore up at the back to match Carlisle’s firepower.

Preview: Carlisle’s attacking depth, led by Ryan Linney, makes them a force at Brunton Park. Their high-energy style should exploit Solihull’s defensive weaknesses, especially if the visitors are stretched after their red-card ordeal. Solihull will look to counter through Joe Clarke and Ben Nicholson, but Carlisle’s home form and squad quality give them the upper hand. Expect a comfortable win for the hosts unless Solihull can muster the same grit shown against Forest Green.

Prediction: Carlisle United 3-1 Solihull Moors

Tamworth vs. Truro City (19:45)

Venue: The Lamb Ground

Recent Form: Tamworth have had a tough start, losing 2-1 to Scunthorpe United and 2-0 to Southend United. Haydn Hollis’ goal against Scunthorpe showed they can threaten, but their lack of cutting edge up top has been a concern. As a newly promoted side, Tamworth are still adapting to the National League, relying on a physical approach to compete.

Truro City, also promoted, have struggled defensively, conceding two goals in a 2-0 loss to York City. They’ve yet to score this season, which is worrying given their lack of attacking spark. John Askey’s compact setup aims to frustrate opponents, but they’ll need a goal scoring outlet to avoid early trouble.

Preview: Tamworth will see this as a winnable home game against a Truro side still searching for form. The Lamb Ground’s atmosphere could lift Tamworth, with Haydn Hollis likely to be a threat from set pieces. Truro’s defensive resilience will be tested, and without a clear goal scoring threat, they may struggle to get a result. Tamworth’s hunger for points should see them nick a narrow win in a low-scoring affair.

Prediction: Tamworth 1-0 Truro City

Woking vs. Wealdstone (19:45)

Venue: The Laithwaite Community Stadium

Recent Form: Woking have had a torrid start, losing 2-0 to Carlisle United and 3-1 to Scunthorpe United. Jacob Turner’s late goal against Scunthorpe offered hope, but their defence has been leaky, conceding five goals in two games.
Woking’s lack of cohesion suggests they’re still adjusting to new signings and the new campaign.

Wealdstone have shown promise, defeating Halifax Town 2-1 with goals from Sean Adarkwa and Jamie Cook. Their attacking intent, driven by Omar Mussa’s playmaking, has been a bright spot, though consistency remains a challenge. Wealdstone’s ability to create chances (averaging 7.13 corners per home game last season) could trouble Woking’s fragile backline.

Preview: Woking face a stern test at home against a Wealdstone side growing in confidence. Wealdstone’s attacking duo of Sean Adarkwa and Jamie Cook, backed by Omar Mussa’s creativity, should find gaps in Woking’s defence. Woking will hope their home crowd can inspire a turnaround, but their defensive woes make an upset unlikely. Wealdstone’s momentum and attacking edge should see them take the spoils in a lively encounter.

Prediction: Woking 1-2 Wealdstone

20 August 2025 National League Previews

Aldershot Town vs. Eastleigh (19:45)

Venue: The EBB Stadium at The Recreation Ground

Recent Form: Aldershot Town have had a mixed start, losing 3-2 to Altrincham and 3-2 to Boston United. Despite the defeats, they’ve shown attacking intent, with Matt Penney, Jack Clarridge, Hady Ghandour, and Tyler Abrahams scoring. Their high-scoring games suggest an open style, but defensive lapses, exacerbated by Theo Widdrington’s red card against Boston, have cost them.

Eastleigh have struggled, losing 1-0 to Brackley Town and 2-0 to Gateshead. They’ve yet to score this season, a concern given their reliance on quick counters last term. Eastleigh’s defensive solidity is a strength, but their lack of cutting edge up top could hinder them against a leaky but dangerous Aldershot side.

Preview: Aldershot will look to capitalise on home advantage and their attacking form, with Hady Ghandour likely to lead the line. Their open style could expose Eastleigh’s blunt attack, but they’ll need to tighten up at the back to avoid another high-scoring defeat. Eastleigh must find a spark in attack to trouble Aldershot’s shaky defence. This could be a cagey affair, but Aldershot’s goal scoring form gives them a slight edge.

Prediction: Aldershot Town 2-1 Eastleigh

Boreham Wood vs. Braintree Town (19:45)

Venue: Mangata Pay UK Stadium

Recent Form: Boreham Wood have shown resilience, drawing 3-3 with Carlisle United after losing 2-0 to Rochdale. Luke Norris scored twice against Carlisle, with Cameron O’Connell also on the scoresheet, highlighting their attacking potential.
Their physical style and set-piece threat make them tough to beat at home, though defensive errors have been costly.

Braintree Town have been impressive, thrashing Halifax Town 3-0 but losing 2-0 to Hartlepool United. Louis Walker’s brace and Frankie Terry’s goal against Halifax showed their attacking threat, but a red card to George Langston against Hartlepool exposed vulnerabilities.
Braintree’s direct approach has worked well, but they’ll need to stay disciplined to avoid being stretched at the back.

Preview: Boreham Wood’s physicality and home advantage make them slight favourites, with Luke Norris a key threat from open play and set pieces. Braintree’s attacking duo of Louis Walker and Frankie Terry could exploit Boreham Wood’s defensive lapses, but their susceptibility to red cards is a concern. This should be a hard-fought battle, with Boreham Wood’s home form likely to secure a narrow win.
Prediction: Boreham Wood 2-1 Braintree Town

Forest Green Rovers vs. Sutton United (19:45)

Venue: The Bolt New Lawn

Recent Form: Forest Green Rovers have shown promise, drawing 2-2 with Solihull Moors and beating Yeovil Town 2-0. Christian Doidge and Nathan Haughton scored against Solihull, while Jonathan Buyabu and Kyle Mitchell found the net against Yeovil. Their attacking fluidity and solid home record make them a tough proposition.

Sutton United drew 2-2 with York City, with Daniel Ogbonna and Bradley Njoku scoring, showing they can find the net despite a slow start. Their counter-attacking style relies on pace, but defensive lapses, including an own goal against York, have cost them points.

Preview: Forest Green will look to dominate at home, with Christian Doidge and Kyle Mitchell posing a threat to Sutton’s backline. Sutton’s pace on the counter, led by Daniel Ogbonna, could trouble Forest Green’s defence, but their inconsistency at the back may prove costly.
Forest Green’s home form and attacking depth should give them the edge in an open, entertaining match.

Prediction: Forest Green Rovers 2-1 Sutton United

Rochdale vs. Gateshead (19:45)

Venue: Crown Oil Arena

Recent Form: Rochdale have started strongly, beating Boreham Wood 2-0 and Altrincham 2-1, with Ethan Dieseruvwe scoring twice against Boreham Wood and Tarryn Allarakhia adding a goal against Altrincham.
Their attacking prowess and solid home form make them a force.
Gateshead have been inconsistent, losing 3-0 to Southend United but bouncing back with a 2-0 win over Eastleigh, thanks to goals from Dom Telford and Kofi Adom. Their high-pressing style can unsettle teams, but defensive frailties exposed against Southend are a concern.

Preview: Rochdale’s home advantage and attacking form, led by Ethan Dieseruvwe, make them favourites. Gateshead’s pressing game could disrupt Rochdale’s rhythm, with Dom Telford a danger on the break, but their defensive issues may let them down. Rochdale’s consistency and home crowd should see them secure a comfortable win.

Prediction: Rochdale 2-0 Gateshead

Southend United vs. York City (19:45)

Venue: Roots Hall

Recent Form: Southend United have been in top form, beating Gateshead 3-0 and Tamworth 2-0, with Charlie Kendall scoring twice and Sam Austin and Gus Scott-Morriss also on the scoresheet. Their attacking flair and solid defensive structure (no goals conceded) make them one of the early pacesetters.

York City drew 2-2 with Sutton United, with Ollie Pearce and an own goal securing a point, but lost 2-0 to Truro City despite late goals from Malachi Kitching and Joe Stones. Their attacking potential is evident, but defensive lapses have cost them.

Preview: Southend’s attacking momentum, led by Charlie Kendall, and their watertight defence give them a clear advantage at Roots Hall. York City’s attacking duo of Ollie Pearce and Joe Stones could pose problems, but their inconsistency at the back is likely to be exposed. Southend’s form and home support should lead to a convincing win.

Prediction: Southend United 3-1 York City

Yeovil Town vs. Brackley Town (19:45)

Venue: Huish Park Stadium

Recent Form: Yeovil Town have had a quiet start, drawing 0-0 with Hartlepool United and losing 2-0 to Forest Green Rovers, where Jordan Wannell’s red card highlighted disciplinary issues. Their lack of goals is a concern, but their defensive solidity, keeps them competitive.

Brackley Town beat Eastleigh 1-0 with Scott Byrne’s penalty, showing their set-piece threat, but their limited attacking output suggests they rely on a compact setup.

Preview: Yeovil will look to get their attack firing at home, but their lack of goals could make this a low-scoring affair. Brackley’s disciplined approach and set-piece prowess, led by Scott Byrne, could frustrate Yeovil. Both sides are likely to cancel each other out, leading to a tight, low-scoring draw.

Prediction: Yeovil Town 1-1 Brackley Town

National League Goalscorers and Assists

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