National League Preview - Game Week 9

National League Team to Watch - Ebbsfleet United

Just this week Ebbsfleet sacked manager Danny Searle. Despite the incredible work he did last season, it looked like an understandable decision; Ebbsfleet were rock bottom, with just one point from seven games, a period in which they had scored just four, and conceded eighteen. Josh Wright stepped into the dugout for their midweek game against Aldershot, which they drew 0-0, and now they’ve already acted and found a replacement, in the form of 34 year old Harry Watling. That makes him the youngest Head Coach in the league, and his inexperience does mark him out as a somewhat risky appointment. But the ceiling is high under Watling’s leadership.

As far as appointments in National League go, I’d say this is one of the more exciting

Harry Watling is a highly rated coach, and from my (albeit limited) interactions with him, he seems an astute and very aware character

Element of risk attached; but potentially high reward 🤞 https://t.co/CUBwActhf6

— tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) September 12, 2024

A highly rated coach, and an astute observer of these leagues for some time now, Watling can count Chelsea, West Ham and Rangers amongst his former clubs. They host Hartlepool United this weekend, who, whilst being a very solid and hard to break down side, feel like ideal first opposition for Watling and his men.

National League Player to Watch - Dion Pereira

Dagenham may have had a mixed start, but the same cannot be said for their star man Pereira, who has so far lit the National League up this season. Pereira netted a brace last time out against Sutton, bringing his tally to four for the season, but it’s the manner in which he has grabbed his goals that has impressed most.

Dion Pereira So Far This Season For Dagenham & Redbridge:

Wealdstone: 1 ⚽️ 1 🅰️ (9.4)
Rochdale: 1 ⚽️ (7.2)
Woking: (7.5)
Halifax: (7.0)
Southend: (8.4)
York: (7.3)
Maidenhead: (9.0)
Sutton: 2 ⚽️ (9.0)

Average Match Rating: 8.1

What a player we have 😍@dion_pereira10

— TheMemphisEra 🦁 (@TheMemphisEra) September 11, 2024

A player with sumptuous control and outstanding technique, it’s a joy to watch Pereira glide across the pitch, whether that be out wide, or in the pockets of space he finds in the middle areas of the park. A fantastic ball carrier, Pereira terrorised the Sutton defence with his combination of pace and close control, and when you have a left foot as sweet as his, you’d expect the numbers he’s been putting up. It’s unclear what the 25 year old’s long term future holds, especially once his loan from Luton expires; but for now Daggers fans must be enjoying watching him in their red and blue colours.

National League Hot Prospect - Sam Beckwith

Rochdale have so far conceded the fewest goals in the National League. In fact, rather remarkably they’ve conceded just three times in eight outings, a huge testament to the work Jimmy McNulty and his staff are doing. A large part of that is the style with which Rochdale play; they keep the ball far more than their opposition, meaning, rather simply, that they limit their opponents in terms of chances against. But the defensive personnel also deserve credit, none more so than left sided defender Sam Beckwith.

Beckwith made the move up north this summer, after coming through the youth ranks at Luton, before really impressing over several seasons at Maidenhead. Still only 22, Beckwith was used as a left back at Maidenhead, but has been used as a left centre back in a back three during his time at Rochdale. Perhaps due to his natural size and stature, Beckwith has adapted to the role remarkably well, and certainly doesn’t look like he is new in the position. He has been a key performer for one of the strongest sides in the division.

National League Game of the Week - York v Fylde

Thus far, scarce few sides have been as easy on the eye as York. And the best part about it for the Minstermen? It feels like the best is still yet to come from them. Despite the fact Adam Hinshelwood was appointed late last season, and also that he signed several players this summer that he had worked with before, they are still a group getting used to his expansive, and somewhat unusual style. But what his style has promised since day one is goals, and with twelve already scored in eight games, they seemed to have delivered on that front.

Doing a fantastic job is Adam Hinshelwood

Had a few doubters, but proving them wrong 👏🏼

We are level on points with the top of the league!

A great start to the season!

Come on City ❤️

— Wayne 🇬🇧 (@waynefawcett) September 10, 2024

In fact, if you take out the uncharacteristic performance against newly promoted Boston, York might well be sat at the top of the table at this stage, with only really Gateshead looking like a better attacking side so far. They host underperforming Fylde this weekend, but don’t be fooled by the Coasters’ league position; they are very much still a live opponent. They’ve scored nine goals themselves this season, with Nick Haughton scoring seven of them; he is one of, if not the best player in the entire division. But what makes this game so exciting is how open Fylde are defensively; they’ve conceded fifteen so far this campaign. York may have tightened things up this season, but Hinshelwood sides are notorious for being open at the back. So this game promises to be one between sides who constantly look to attack; expect goals here.