The National League delivered a thrilling set of matches, packed with goals, late drama, and standout individual performances. From Altrincham’s narrow victory over Aldershot Town to Southend United’s commanding win at Gateshead, here’s a detailed look at the key fixtures, with first names included where available.
Altrincham 3-2 Aldershot Town: Knowles Steals the Show
Half Time: Altrincham 2, Aldershot Town 0
Altrincham secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Aldershot Town in an entertaining clash. Kieran Reddin opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a clinical finish, followed by Lewis Banks doubling the lead in the 24th minute. Aldershot mounted a second-half comeback with Matt Penney pulling one back in the 55th minute and Jack Clarridge equalizing in the 76th minute. However, Jimmy Knowles had the final say, scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute to clinch the victory for Altrincham.
Key Moments:
- 10’: Kieran Reddin fires Altrincham ahead.
- 24’: Lewis Banks strengthens the lead.
- 55’: Matt Penney sparks Aldershot’s comeback.
- 76’: Jack Clarridge levels the score.
- 78’: Jimmy Knowles secures the win for Altrincham.
Boreham Wood 0-2 Rochdale: Dieseruvwe’s Double Clinches It
Half Time: Boreham Wood 0, Rochdale 0
Rochdale earned a 2-0 victory over Boreham Wood, thanks to a quickfire second-half brace from Ethan Dieseruvwe. The first half was goalless, but Dieseruvwe broke the deadlock in the 49th minute and added a second in the 52nd minute, ensuring Rochdale took all three points. Boreham Wood struggled to respond and were left empty-handed.
Key Moments:
- 49’: Ethan Dieseruvwe opens the scoring.
- 52’: Dieseruvwe strikes again to seal the win.
Brackley Town 1-0 Eastleigh: Byrne’s Penalty Decides
Half Time: Brackley Town 1, Eastleigh 0
Brackley Town edged out Eastleigh 1-0, with Shane Byrne scoring the decisive penalty in the 40th minute. Eastleigh pushed for an equalizer but couldn’t break through Brackley’s solid defence.
Key Moment:
- 40’: Shane Byrne converts from the spot.
Braintree Town 3-0 Halifax Town: Walker’s Brace Powers Victory
Half Time: Braintree Town 2, Halifax Town 0
Braintree Town dominated Halifax Town with a 3-0 win, led by Liam Walker, who scored twice. Walker opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, and Freddie Terry added a second in the 33rd minute. Walker completed his brace in the 69th minute, securing a comfortable victory for Braintree.
Key Moments:
- 3’: Liam Walker puts Braintree ahead early.
- 33’: Freddie Terry doubles the lead.
- 69’: Walker seals the win with his second goal.
Gateshead 0-3 Southend United: Visitors Run Riot
Half Time: Gateshead 0, Southend United 1
Southend United delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Gateshead. Sam Austin opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, followed by Josh Walker in the 53rd minute and Charlie Kendall in the 56th minute. Gateshead struggled to create chances against a clinical Southend side.
Key Moments:
- 3’: Sam Austin gives Southend an early lead.
- 53’: Josh Walker extends the advantage.
- 56’: Charlie Kendall wraps up the scoring.
Solihull Moors 2-2 Forest Green Rovers: Clarke Rescues Point
Half Time: Solihull Moors 1, Forest Green Rovers 0
Solihull Moors and Forest Green Rovers played out a dramatic 2-2 draw. Solihull took an early lead through Ollie Rutherford in the 16th minute, despite D. Lipsiuc receiving a red card in the 6th minute, leaving them with ten men. Forest Green fought back with goals from Christian Doidge in the 54th minute and Niall Haughton in the 60th minute to take the lead. However, James Clarke equalized in the 75th minute to salvage a point for Solihull.
Key Moments:
- 6’: D. Lipsiuc is sent off, leaving Solihull with ten men.
- 16’: Ollie Rutherford scores for Solihull.
- 54’: Christian Doidge equalizes for Forest Green.
- 60’: Niall Haughton puts Forest Green ahead.
- 75’: James Clarke rescues a draw for Solihull.
Tamworth 1-2 Scunthorpe United: Early Goals Secure Win
Half Time: Tamworth 1, Scunthorpe United 2
Scunthorpe United held off Tamworth for a 2-1 victory. Danny Whitehall struck in the 4th minute, followed by Owen Ewing in the 43rd minute. Tamworth responded with a goal from Harry Hollis in the 36th minute but couldn’t find an equalizer in the second half.
Key Moments:
- 4’: Danny Whitehall gives Scunthorpe the lead.
- 36’: Harry Hollis pulls one back for Tamworth.
- 43’: Owen Ewing restores Scunthorpe’s two-goal cushion.
Wealdstone 2-0 Truro City: Boldewijn and Hutchinson Shine
Half Time: Wealdstone 1, Truro City 0
Wealdstone secured a 2-0 win over Truro City, with Enzio Boldewijn scoring just before halftime in the 45th minute and Dominic Hutchinson sealing the victory in the 85th minute. Truro City struggled to create opportunities against a disciplined Wealdstone side.
Key Moments:
- 45’: Enzio Boldewijn breaks the deadlock.
- 85’: Dominic Hutchinson secures the win.
Woking 0-2 Carlisle United: Second-Half Strikes Seal It
Half Time: Woking 0, Carlisle United 0
Carlisle United claimed a 2-0 victory over Woking, with second-half goals from Luke Armstrong in the 57th minute and Ethan Robson in the 81st minute. Woking couldn’t find a response, allowing Carlisle to take the points.
Key Moments:
- 57’: Luke Armstrong opens the scoring.
- 81’: Ethan Robson seals the victory.
Yeovil Town 0-0 Hartlepool United: Goalless Stalemate
Yeovil Town and Hartlepool United played out a 0-0 draw in a match lacking clear scoring chances. Both defences held firm, resulting in a share of the points.
York City 2-2 Sutton United: Late Drama in Thrilling Draw
Half Time: York City 1, Sutton United 1
York City and Sutton United shared the spoils in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Ollie Pearce put York ahead with a penalty in the 11th minute, but David Ogbonna equalized for Sutton in the 38th minute. Cameron Howe restored York’s lead in the 58th minute, only for Bruno Njoku to snatch a late equalizer in the 87th minute.
Key Moments:
- 11’: Ollie Pearce scores from the spot for York.
- 38’: David Ogbonna levels for Sutton.
- 58’: Cameron Howe puts York back in front.
- 87’: Bruno Njoku secures a point for Sutton.
