Team to Watch - Gateshead

It’s been a really mixed start to the season for the Heed. In terms of performances and results, it really couldn’t have been much better. They tore Ebbsfleet apart on the opening day, scoring 5, but in truth they could have had even more. They backed that up with a very controlled and measured 2-0 win away at Woking, setting their stall out as one of, if not the best side in the division. But injuries have mired what would have otherwise been an overwhelmingly positive start. Joe Grayson was injured in the opening game, which required him to be stretchered off, and subsequently transported to hospital. Unfortunately, that would be a repeat in their next game, as Greg Olley, who scored a hat trick on the opening day, was forced to have surgery after a horrific leg break, a result of a wild challenge from Dion Kelly-Evans of Woking. Those injuries will hurt Gateshead on the pitch, but may also give them the motivation they need to sustain their performances.

"They're a great ball playing side and will be a big challenge"@YTFC travel to @GatesheadFC in the National League on Saturday.

Hear my full interview with Mark Cooper on tomorrow nights #SomersetSport #ytfc @bbcbristolsport @bbcsomerset pic.twitter.com/5QHE0d0E2i
— Jack Killah (@jackkillah) August 22, 2024

Player to Watch - Liam Sercombe

It was a surprise to see Liam Sercombe on the bench for Forest Green Rovers for their opening day game against Aldershot. After all, Sercombe was their marquee signing, fresh off the back of scoring 11 goals, from midfield, in a relegated League One side. The step down two divisions, to a side many expect to do well, was a surprising one, perhaps only outdone by the decision not to start him on the opening day. However, he was in the XI for their trip to newly promoted Boston, and Sercombe made sure it was worth the wait. The 33 year old midfielder fired in a brace in a 4-0 win, continuing his fine goalscoring exploits from last season. Perhaps most impressively of most was the manner of the goals. His second was an impressive finish inside the box, but his first is the one which caught the eye. Sercombe intercepted a Boston pass on the half way line, and with his second touch he was able to audaciously lob keeper Cameron Gregory to open his account for the season. He’s hit the ground running this season.

📁 Goal of the Season contenders
L 📁 Liam Sercombe #WeAreFGR💚 pic.twitter.com/2F1hvvvPPO
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) August 18, 2024

Hot Prospect - Jack Stevens

Solihull Moors forward Jack Stevens has had a short but impressive rise, establishing himself as one of the key attackers in the division towards the back end of last season. He’s continued that form into this campaign, with a goal on the opening day away at Fylde, and his energetic performances have made him a constant threat in the Solihull attack. The 23 year old is at his best down the left, where he is able to cut inside, playing more as an inside forward rather than a traditional winger. Blessed with a real turn of pace and unshakeable confidence, Stevens is never reluctant to take on his man. But it’s his ability to arrive into space late which marks him out as a dangerous forward. His timing allows him to evade attention from opposition defenders, which often leaves him in space to finish.

Jack Stevens is officially off the mark for Solihull Moors this season.

Moors fans, just how many goals can he get this season? #SMFC🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/YnIanmIDji
— National League Natter (@NLNatter) August 11, 2024

Game of the Week - Sutton United v York City

Relegated Sutton have retained just 2 players from last season, but you wouldn’t know they are a brand new sides based off of their performances. A late equaliser away at Tamworth ensured they avoided defeat on the opening day, and they backed that up with an astonishing 5-0 victory over Altrincham, a side who finished inside the playoffs last season. They dispatched of the passing style of Alty with ease, and they face a similar prospect in Adam Hinshelwood’s York. The Minstermen have made a strong start to the season too, also securing an opening day point with a late equaliser, away at Southend, before beating the aforementioned Tamworth 2-0 at home. Not many sides can boast the options York have off the bench; Lenell John-Lewis, Ashley Nathaniel-George, Marvin Armstrong, Tyrese Sinclair and Ricky Aguiar have all been on the bench so far for York, and all would have a strong case to start for most sides in this league. Both teams won 1-0 during the week, gaining even more momentum before this weekend. It will therefore be interesting to see if Sutton’s running style claims another possession based victim, or if York have the requisite quality to play through Sutton’s energetic press.