The fights for the title and to survive in the fifth tier have become ever fiercer ahead of a full schedule of weekend National League action.
Rochdale’s Loss Tightens the Title Race
League leaders Rochdale suffered a 3-2 away defeat to promotion contenders Southend United. Jimmy McNulty’s side were unable to take advantage of their remaining game in hand.
The gap between the Dale and York City is just two points. There are now just eight games remaining.
Key Fixtures This Weekend
Aldershot Town will be striving to end a run of four successive defeats when they travel to mid-table Woking as they slide towards the relegation zone. John Coleman has done a stellar job since taking over as Shots manager, but recent results mean that they now sit four places and five points above the bottom four.
Aldershot have played four of the top six in their last four. Woking are unbeaten in their last five, occupying 10th position, and will be aiming to accumulate as many points as possible between now and the end of the campaign. The Cards are expected to provide a stern test at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
Southend are flying high after their triumph over league leaders Rochdale in midweek, but must now focus on ensuring their play-off position. Kevin Maher’s side defeated the Dale 3-2 on Wednesday night, inflicting the first defeat on McNulty’s men in 2026 and opening the door to York.
The Shrimpers are unbeaten in their last five and are looking like strong candidates for the top seven due to their two-point cushion over FC Halifax Town and two games in hand.
The Fight to Avoid the Drop
Gateshead and Brackley Town both picked up valuable points in the battle to avoid the drop. There are now just four points separating four teams heading into the weekend.
Altrincham still have work to do if they are to ensure their National League status, with several teams at the bottom finding form at just the right time. The Robins were downed by Alfie Beestin’s late winner for Scunthorpe United last weekend and have a six-point advantage on the relegation zone, while they also have a game in hand.
How to Watch
You can watch all National League games live or on demand.
- Aldershot Town vs Woking: Saturday, March 21st 2026, 12.30pm GMT (Live on DAZN)
- Southend United vs Altrincham: Saturday, March 21st 2026, 3pm GMT
After another whirlwind of midweek National League action, the fights for the title and to survive in the fifth tier have become ever fiercer ahead of a full schedule of weekend action.