National League games this weekend: Top spot to change hands again?

After a reduced schedule of National League fixtures last weekend, the fifth tier returns with a full roster of action this Saturday.

A host of sides competed in the FA Cup and FA Trophy, meaning that York City pounced on the chance to become the league leaders, with Ollie Pearce bagging his 22nd goal of the season in a 2-1 victory over Sutton United.

While Eastleigh, Brackley Town, Southend United and Gateshead were meant to play in midweek, their games have been postponed to accommodate previously postponed FA Trophy fixtures.

With the table looking incredibly tight at the top and the bottom, this weekend promises to be yet another critical one in an enthralling National League campaign.

You can catch every inch of the action from all the fixtures live on DAZN, and here is what to look out for.

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Games to watch from the National League this weekend

Solihull Moors vs. Carlisle United

• Date: Saturday, January 17 
• Time:  3pm

Two of the form teams in the National League go head-to-head at the ARMCO Arena as play-off hopefuls Solihull Moors face title-chasing Carlisle United.

The Moors were one of the few teams in action last weekend and pulled off a monumental 5-1 victory away at relegation-threatened Aldershot Town, with Joe Sbarra bagging a brace.

Chris Millington's men are now up to ninth in the table and are only three points below the play-offs, although they have played three more games than seventh-place Southend.

As for Carlisle, they were handed a double blow last weekend as they were knocked off the top by York and suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Isthmian League outfit Chatham Town in the FA Trophy.

While Mark Hughes' side are on a three-match winning run in the National League, Solihull Moors will provide them with a sturdy test on Saturday afternoon.

Sutton United vs. Forest Green Rovers

• Date:  Saturday, January 17 
• Time:  3pm 

The clash between Sutton and Forest Green Rovers will have ramifications at both ends of the table in what should be a close battle at the VBS Community Stadium.

Although Chris Agutter's side are on a run of six matches without a win, they have suffered some narrow defeats to promotion-chasing Southend and York in recent weeks.

However, with the U's only above the relegation places on goal difference, they will be desperate to pick up some points and give them some desired breathing space.

Forest Green are only two points off the top, but have played more games than almost all of the teams around them as they chase automatic promotion.

Robbie Savage's men have started 2026 in fine fettle, having defeated Halifax Town 1-0 before a convincing 2-0 win over National League South side Ebbsfleet United in the FA Trophy.

York City vs. Southend United

• Date:  Saturday, January 17
• Time:  5.30pm 

York took advantage of the reduced National League schedule last weekend with a narrow 2-1 win away at relegation-threatened Sutton to put them top on goal difference.

While the Minstermen have a game in hand on Carlisle, they know that only a victory will do, as Boreham Wood and Rochdale can catch them if they win their games in hand.

Stuart Maynard's side are in irresistible form and are unbeaten in their last 14 league matches. Although they are no longer blowing teams away, they have managed to grind out some crucial results under pressure.

Southend, on the other hand, may have some rust to shake off when they travel to the LNER Community Stadium as they are yet to play a game in 2026.

However, the promotion hopefuls enter the clash in positive form, having won their last two league games over Braintree Town and Sutton.

Although York are expected to edge out Kevin Maher's side, it will be intriguing to see how they handle the tag of league leaders.

National League games taking place this weekend

Saturday, January 17 (all games kick off at 3pm unless stated) 

• Hartlepool United vs. Altrincham (12.30pm)
• Brackley Town vs. Yeovil Town
• Braintree Town vs. Boreham Wood
• Eastleigh vs. Aldershot Town
• Gateshead vs. Rochdale
• Halifax Town vs. Boston United
• Morecambe vs. Scunthorpe United
• Solihull Moors vs. Carlisle United
• Sutton United vs. Forest Green Rovers
• Truro City vs. Tamworth
• Wealdstone vs. Woking
• Boston United vs. Braintree Town (5.30pm) 

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