The National League delivered a thrilling weekend of action on August 16, 2025, with drama, goals, and pivotal moments shaping the early-season race. Southend United lead the table with a perfect record, closely followed by Scunthorpe United in second.
Rochdale 2-1 Altrincham
Half-Time: 1-1
Rochdale maintained their strong start with a narrow victory over Altrincham. Altrincham struck first through Kairo Ward’s clinical strike in the 19th minute, but Tarryn Allarakhia equalized for Rochdale in the 35th minute with a well-taken goal. An own goal by Altrincham’s Tylor Golden in the 60th minute handed Rochdale the three points, keeping them among the early pace-setters.
Aldershot Town 2-3 Boston United
Half-Time: 0-1
Boston United claimed a thrilling away win in a five-goal spectacle against Aldershot Town. Lyle John-Lewis gave Boston the lead in spells 10th minute and added a second in the 53rd, while Greg Sloggett’s 77th-minute goal seemed to seal the victory. Aldershot’s challenge was hampered by Theo Widdrington’s red card in the 27th minute, but they rallied with goals from Hady Ghandour (55′) and Theo Abrahams (89′). Boston held firm to secure the victory.
Carlisle United 3-3 Boreham Wood
Half-Time: 0-1
This six-goal thriller saw Carlisle United and Boreham Wood share the spoils. Luke Norris put Boreham Wood ahead in the 40th minute, but Carlisle responded with Georgie Kelly (49′) and a brace from Ryan Linney (53′, 71′). Boreham Wood fought back with Norris scoring again in the 79th minute and Cameron O’Connell levelling the score in the 84th minute for a dramatic draw.
Eastleigh 0-2 Gateshead
Half-Time: 0-2
Gateshead bounced back from their opening-day defeat with a convincing win at Eastleigh. Dominic Telford opened the scoring in the 19th minute, followed by Kofi Adom’s strike in the 25th, giving Gateshead a commanding lead. Eastleigh couldn’t find a way back, and Gateshead’s defence secured a clean sheet.
Forest Green Rovers 2-0 Yeovil Town
Half-Time: 0-0
Forest Green Rovers earned their first win with a late surge against Yeovil Town. Jed Buyabu broke the deadlock in the 75th minute, and Keenan Mitchell sealed the victory in stoppage time (90’+2). Yeovil were reduced to ten men after Jake Wannell received a second yellow card in the 86th minute, making their task tougher.
Hartlepool United 2-0 Braintree Town
Half-Time: 1-0
Hartlepool United dispatched Braintree Town with a disciplined display. An own goal by Braintree’s Aaron Francis-Clarke in the 33rd minute gave Hartlepool the lead. Braintree’s George Langston was sent off in the 55th minute for a foul in the box, and Adam Reid converted the resulting penalty in the 56th minute to secure the win.
Scunthorpe United 3-1 Woking
Half-Time: 2-0
Scunthorpe United continued their perfect start with a commanding win over Woking. Dan Howe scored twice in the first half (16′, 24′), setting the tone, and Danny Whitehall added a third in the 69th minute. Woking’s Jack Turner pulled one back in the 82nd minute, but Scunthorpe’s victory keeps them second in the table, behind Southend United on goal difference.
Southend United 2-0 Tamworth
Half-Time: 1-0
Southend United solidified their position at the top of the National League with a polished 2-0 win over Tamworth at Roots Hall.
The match began with a moment of brilliance from Southend’s goalkeeper, Collin Andeng-Ndi, who saved a penalty in the 6th minute to deny Tamworth an early lead. Buoyed by the save, Southend took control, with Charley Kendall scoring in the 11th minute to settle the nerves. Gus Scott-Morriss sealed the victory with a stunning strike in the 80th minute, ensuring Southend’s second clean sheet in two games and cementing their status as early title contenders.
Sutton United 0-0 Solihull Moors
Sutton United and Solihull Moors played out a goalless draw in a match short on clear chances. Both teams displayed defensive resilience but lacked the spark to break the deadlock, settling for a point each.
Wealdstone 2-1 Halifax Town
Half-Time: 1-1
Wealdstone maintained their perfect record with a hard-fought win over Halifax Town. Halifax took the lead through Dominic Kawa in the 35th minute, but Will Harris’s red card in the 15th minute shifted momentum. Wealdstone equalized with Sean Adarkwa in the 18th minute and secured the win with Jack Cook’s goal in the 54th minute.
Truro City 0-2 York City
Half-Time: 0-0
York City secured a late victory over Truro City with two goals in the final stages. The match was tightly contested, with both teams cancelling each other out in a goalless first half.
York broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute through Mitch Kitching, and Jonny Stones sealed the win in the 88th minute, assisted by Ollie Pearce, giving York their first victory of the season.
Final Thoughts
The National League continues to deliver unpredictability, with Southend United setting the pace thanks to their goalkeeper’s heroics and clinical finishing. Scunthorpe United’s relentless form keeps them in close pursuit, while late drama in matches like York City’s win over Truro City and Carlisle United’s draw with Boreham Wood highlight the division’s excitement.
