The Enterprise National League launches its 2025/26 season with a thrilling set of matches on Saturday, 9th August. Football fans are in for an exciting start as teams across the league compete for early points in what promises to be a fiercely competitive campaign.
Below, we preview the action-packed fixtures, perfect for non-league enthusiasts eager to dive into the drama.
Altrincham vs. Aldershot Town
Venue: Moss Lane, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA15 8AP
Altrincham welcomes FA Trophy winners Aldershot Town for a vibrant season opener.
Both sides are known for their attacking flair, and Altrincham’s home support will aim to inspire a strong start against a determined Aldershot outfit.
Boreham Wood vs. Rochdale
Venue: Meadow Park, Broughinge Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 5AL
Newly promoted Boreham Wood face a stern challenge as they host Rochdale to kick off the 2025/26 National League season. Rochdale, a consistent force in the division, will look to dominate early, despite their playoff defeat to Southend United last season.
Boreham Wood, riding the momentum of their promotion and backed by a passionate home crowd, will aim to make this a tightly contested battle.
Boston United vs. Morecambe (Postponed)
The anticipated clash between Boston United and Morecambe has been postponed due to ongoing challenges faced by Morecambe. As a Southend United supporter, I understand the difficulties that can affect a club and its community. We wish Morecambe a swift resolution and look forward to seeing them back on the pitch soon. Stay tuned for updates on the rescheduling of this exciting fixture, which is sure to deliver when it takes place.
Brackley Town vs. Eastleigh
Venue: St. James Park, Churchill Way, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 7EJ
Promoted Brackley Town kick off their National League journey at home against Eastleigh. This matchup offers Brackley a chance to prove themselves against an established Eastleigh side eager to secure early points.
Braintree Town vs. FC Halifax Town
Venue: Cressing Road, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3RD
Braintree Town welcome FC Halifax Town for what promises to be a hard-fought encounter to kick off the 2025/26 National League season. Both teams are renowned for their resilience, making this fixture a must-watch for fans anticipating a competitive showdown. Halifax, still stinging from their playoff defeat to Oldham Athletic last season, will be determined to start strongly and set the tone for a redemption campaign, while Braintree aim to leverage their home advantage to secure early points.
Gateshead vs. Southend United
Venue: Gateshead International Stadium, Neilson Road, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE10 0EF
Gateshead host Southend United to kick off the 2025/26 National League season with a thrilling encounter. Southend, who secured a playoff berth last season with a pivotal draw against Gateshead that also ended Gateshead’s playoff hopes, will aim to recover from their loss to Oldham Athletic in the playoff final. Boasting one of the largest away followings in the National League, Southend’s vocal supporters will make their presence felt. Driven by a hunger for redemption after last season’s heartbreak, Gateshead will count on their passionate home supporters to shift the momentum in their favour for this eagerly awaited clash.
Solihull Moors vs. Forest Green Rovers
Venue: Damson Park, Damson Parkway, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2PP
Solihull Moors welcome Forest Green Rovers for an exciting 2025/26 National League season opener. Under Robbie Savage’s new management, Solihull aim to make an immediate impact. Forest Green, still reeling from their playoff loss to Southend United last season, which led to the sacking of manager Steve Cotterill, will be eager to start afresh. Both teams are known for their attacking intent, promising a goal-filled encounter.
Tamworth vs. Scunthorpe United
Venue: The Lamb Ground, Kettlebrook Road, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B77 1AA
Promoted Scunthorpe United travel to Tamworth for a high-profile clash. Tamworth’s vocal home support will be in full force as they take on a Scunthorpe side determined to prove their worth after returning to the National League.
Wealdstone vs. Truro City
Venue: Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6JQ
Truro City, embarking on their debut National League campaign, face a tough trip to Wealdstone. This showdown will test Truro’s ability to adapt to the fifth tier. Wealdstone, who narrowly escaped relegation last season, will look to capitalize on their home advantage to kick off the 2025/26 season with a strong performance.
Woking vs. Carlisle United
Venue: Kingfield Stadium, Kingfield Road, Woking, Surrey, GU22 9AA
Relegated Carlisle United kick off their National League journey away at Woking. The atmosphere will be electric as Woking aim to upset the former League Two side, who are eager to make a swift return to the EFL. Carlisle, backed by one of the largest away followings in League Two last season, will bring significant support, adding to the intensity of this exciting season-opening clash.
Yeovil Town vs. Hartlepool United
Venue: Huish Park, Lufton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8YF
Yeovil Town welcome Hartlepool United for a long-distance showdown. Hartlepool’s lengthy trip to Somerset will be worthwhile if they can secure points, but Yeovil’s strong home form could pose a significant challenge.
York City vs. Sutton United
Venue: LNER Community Stadium, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9AF
York City kick off their campaign at home against Sutton United. With York building on last season’s play-off semi-final defeat to Oldham, this match against a resilient Sutton side promises to be an exciting start to their season.
Get Ready for the National League Action
The National League’s opening day is packed with compelling storylines, from newly promoted sides like Boreham Wood and Truro City testing their mettle to relegated teams like Carlisle United aiming for redemption. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or following online, these fixtures mark the start of an exhilarating 2025/26 season. For live scores and updates, check platforms like BBC Sport or the official National League website.
