Going into Game 9 of the season already, the Conference Premier is packed full of mouthwatering non-league action.
Much is at stake this weekend which could see Woking extend their unbeaten run this season, whilst any number of clubs could find themselves cemented into the play-off spots, or if unfortunate the relegation zone. Our highlighted game this weekend comes from Sincil Bank, as Lincoln City host Bristol Rovers. Fresh from their first win in the Lincolnshire Derby against bitter rivals Grimsby, the Imps look to maintain a good run of form having previously recorded three straight defeats. They broke that streak by beating their foes for the first time since 2006. On the other hand Bristol Rovers bounced back from their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Braintree on Saturday by beating Wrexham at the Memorial Ground. The Gasheads broke Wrexham’s unbeaten away record when Andy Monkhouse headed home in a fiery encounter. The two sides haven’t met since May 2007, where they faced each other in the League Two Play-Off Semi Final. Over two legs it was Lincoln who progressed, so Rovers will be seeking revenge come Saturday.
Another big fixture comes from Kingfield Stadium as unbeaten Woking take on Chester. The Cardinals sit in 3rd and are yet to taste defeat in the division, the only side yet to lose. Woking striker Scott Rendell is the league’s top scorer with seven and will hope to keep his early form going. Rendell’s striking partner Guissepe Sole has played down any speculation that Woking may get carried away this week, but it will be hard to label them as early favourites. Their opponents Chester will look to spoil the party having lost their last game to Torquay on Tuesday. Steve Burr’s side sit in 18th and are tipped to go down this term, but won’t let that stop them rolling up their sleeves and going at the Cards. Burr can rely on players such as John Rooney who scored a wonderful winner last Saturday. Woking will however play a third keeper this season, after new-signing Jake Cole was injured, his replacement Aaron Howe suffered a broken pelvis, so new loan recruit Ross Worner steps in from AFC Wimbledon.
In other games two newly promoted sides face each other in Conference South winners Eastleigh face an Altrincham side who came up via the play-offs in the Conference North. The Spitfires have adapted well to life in the 5th tier with four wins so far. Altrincham sit in 17th losing once in their last three games. Bottom of the league Alfreton gained their first point on Tuesday with a draw at home to Altrincham, something Nicky Law’s men will be more than happy with after taking nothing from their opening seven games. Their opponents this weekend are Southport who recorded a staggering win over promotion hopefulls Kidderminster Harriers. The win lifted the yellows out of the relegation zone and into 16th.
AFC Telford’s nightmare start to life back in the Conference Premier gets potentially worse against table toppers Barnet, the Bees decimated Dover in midweek and could rock the Bucks who have struggled to find their feet. Forest Green Rovers who are looking for a play-off spot take on second placed Halifax. The Shay are two points adrift of top spot and are showing no signs of weakness after the departure of striker Lee Gregory in the summer.
Elsewhere North Wales outfit Wrexham are back at home after two games on the road. They managed a super win over Forest Green before a midweek loss to Bristol Rovers which saw right-back Mark Carrington sent-off for a high foot. They take on a who won their first game of the season on Tuesday yet they sit in the relegation zone. The game has an added spice with Dragons defender Blaine Hudson taking on his former club. Kidderminster Harriers sit just outside the play-offs and take on Braintree who look to bounce back after being on the receiving end of Welling’s win. Last years play-off finalists Gateshead show no signs of a hangover after defeat to Cambridge as they sit in fourth, they host Dartford who currently occupy the final relegation spot.
One big tie will be Grimsby Town against Torquay United. Two clubs with ambitions of being at the top end come May, these sides will be hoping for a win on Saturday. The Mariners will be hurting after Hamzir Bencherif’s 88th minute winner for bitter rivals Lincoln in mid-week whilst the Gulls face a huge trip up to the Cleethorpes. Grimsby slipped to 11th after their loss whilst Torquay’s 2-0 win over Chester ensured they took the final play-off position in these early stages. Macclesfield Town, now in their third season in non-league will want to inflict more damage on a Dover side who were badly beaten by Barnet in front of the BT Sport cameras. Macclesfield sit in 8th with the Silkmen having won just once in their last six games.
Finally Nuneaton Town will take on Aldershot Town at Liberty Way. After Brian Reid became the league’s first managerial casualty, Mark Noon took over as caretaker, managing a 1-0 win over Forest Green. Meanwhile the Shots were the latest victims to unbeaten Woking losing 1-0 in mid-week, but have 5 goal Brett Williams to call upon against the Boro, the in form striker has been on target so far this season.
So, who will be topping the table come 5pm Saturday? Will Woking still be unbeaten or Alfreton and Telford get their first wins? Wait and see come Saturday afternoon.
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