It was further heartbreak for Yeovil Town, as a late winner condemned the Glovers to defeat at Altrincham in a 2-1 loss. Let’s see what else went on in a busy day for the division’s sides…
We begin in County Durham, as a 94th minute winner from Sam Folarin rescued a victory for Hartlepool United over bottom side Ebbsfleet United in a 3-2 thriller, the hosts were made to work for their win as they were twice pegged back by their visiting opposition. There were big results in the relegation battle on Saturday, as Maidenhead United secured a huge 3-1 win at home against Tamworth, leaving them two points off safety and harming the Lambs’ playoff ambitions in the process, while AFC Fylde’s route to safety became a lot harder following a home defeat to title hunting York City.
There were slip ups for the other two sides in the top three to bottom half opponents, as Braintree Town continued a great end to their season under Steve Pitt with a 2-1 win over league leaders Barnet, ending their 25 league game unbeaten run in the process, while Wealdstone hero Alex Reid’s double downed Forest Green Rovers, both victors coming from behind to win their matches. Gateshead ended a run of eight league games without a win as they defeated relegation candidates Dagenham & Redbridge in a 2-1 result. Sutton United secured a point with a 94th minute Ashley Nadesan equaliser against Southend United, while an 89th minute equaliser from Tomas Galvin meant FC Halifax Town left Eastleigh with a point from the evening kickoff, both games ending in 1-1 ties.
Finally, there were three National League sides in FA Trophy action, and there was plenty of drama in both ties! Aldershot Town ensured they would make their first appearance at Wembley, coming from behind in controversial circumstances to defeat Woking 2-1. Cards midfielder Harry Beautyman was sent off for “elbowing” an opponent defender, with Lewis Walker nabbing a goal for the depleted visitors, but a James Henry penalty and a 92nd minute Jack Barham winner sent the Shots to the final.
In the other tie, Rochdale were pegged back twice by National League North side Spennymoor Town, before being knocked out on penalties. Devante Rodney gave the hosts the lead in the 48th minute, three minutes later Finley Shrimpton equalised for the visitors, before an Aidan Barlow penalty handed Rochdale the lead another three minutes later. Spennymoor kept themselves in contention with a dramatic 95th minute equaliser from Aidan Rutledge, before burying all five of their penalties during the shootout. Tarryn Allarakhia missed for the Dale, sending the Moors to Wembley and ensuring a first non all-National League final since Hornchurch won in 2020/21.
National League results – in full
AFC Fylde 1-3 York City
Altrincham 2-1 Yeovil Town
Braintree Town 2-1 Barnet
Gateshead 2-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
Hartlepool United 3-2 Ebbsfleet United
Maidenhead United 3-1 Tamworth
Sutton United 1-1 Southend United
Wealdstone 2-1 Forest Green Rovers
Eastleigh 1-1 FC Halifax Town
FA Trophy Quarter Final results (NL teams in bold)
Aldershot Town 2-1 Woking
Rochdale 2-2 Spennymoor Town (Spennymoor win 5-4 on pens)