Fixtures

DateRHome vs Away-
01/28 19:45 30 Southend vs AFC Fylde View
01/28 19:45 23 Rochdale vs Boston Utd View
01/28 19:45 26 Barnet vs Hartlepool View
02/01 15:00 30 Braintree Town vs Hartlepool View
02/01 15:00 30 Tamworth vs Barnet View
02/01 15:00 30 Halifax vs Ebbsfleet United View
02/01 15:00 30 Wealdstone vs Solihull Moors View
02/01 15:00 30 York vs Dag & Red View
02/01 15:00 27 AFC Fylde vs Oldham View
02/04 19:45 19 Rochdale vs Oldham View
02/04 19:45 26 Dag & Red vs Forest Green View
02/04 19:45 20 Wealdstone vs Tamworth View

Results

Date R Home vs Away -
01/25 15:00 29 [8] Rochdale vs Yeovil [12] 4-0
01/25 15:00 29 [24] Ebbsfleet United vs Braintree Town [19] 0-1
01/25 15:00 29 [22] AFC Fylde vs Wealdstone [21] 2-0
01/25 15:00 29 [16] Dag & Red vs Southend [14] 0-2
01/25 15:00 29 [3] Barnet vs Maidenhead Utd [20] 3-0
01/25 15:00 29 [6] Altrincham vs Forest Green [1] 1-1
01/25 15:00 29 [10] Sutton Utd vs Eastleigh [11] 1-0
01/25 15:00 29 [7] Solihull Moors vs Halifax [9] 0-2
01/25 15:00 29 [13] Hartlepool vs Woking [17] 1-1
01/25 15:00 29 [23] Boston Utd vs York [2] 3-1
01/25 15:00 29 [18] Aldershot vs Tamworth [15] 2-2
01/25 15:00 29 [4] Gateshead vs Oldham [5] 1-1

The National League, officially known as Vanarama National League for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in England. National League is the first division of the National Leagues and step 1 of the NLS and fifth-highest tier overall in the English football league system, after the Premier League and the EFL leagues and is contested by 24 clubs. Through the National League, clubs get promoted to the EFL League Two, one of the divisions of the English Football League. Formerly the Conference National, the league was renamed the National League from the 2015–16 season.

Notable former English Football League clubs that compete in the National League include: Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, York City, Yeovil Town, Hartlepool United and Southend United. The longest tenured team currently competing in the National League is Aldershot Town, who have been competing in the National League since 2013–14.

History

The league was formed as the Alliance Premier League in 1979, coming into force for the 1979–80 season. The league drew its clubs from the Northern Premier League and the Southern League.

It greatly improved the quality of football at this lower level, as well as improving the financial status of the top clubs. This was reflected in 1986–87, when the Football League began accepting direct promotion and relegation between the Conference and the bottom division of the Football League, which at that time was known as the Football League Fourth Division and is now EFL League Two. The first team to be promoted by this method was Scarborough, and the first team relegated was Lincoln City, who regained their Football League status a year later as Conference champions.

Since 2002–03, the league has been granted a second promotion place, with a play-off deciding who joins the champions in League Two. Previously, no promotion from the Conference would occur if the winners did not have adequate stadium facilities. If a club wins the division, but does not qualify for promotion, the next highest eligible club will be promoted in its place. If a club finishes in the play-off places but does not have an adequate stadium they will unable to take part in the play-off competition. In that event such club shall not be replaced and the play-off structure and draw shall be adjusted as necessary by the National League Board on the basis of the remaining clubs’ final league positions.

In 2004–05, the Conference increased its size by adding two lower divisions, the Conference North and Conference South respectively, with the original division being renamed Conference National. For the 2006–07 season, the Conference National expanded from 22 to 24 teams by promoting four teams while relegating two teams and introduced a "four up and four down" system between itself and the Conference North and Conference South.

The England National League is the fifth tier of the English football league system, serving as a crucial platform for clubs aspiring to ascend to the higher echelons of English football. Established in 1979, the league has evolved into a competitive battleground for teams from across England and Wales, showcasing a mix of historic clubs and emerging talents.

The tournament features a diverse array of teams, each vying for promotion to the EFL League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The league operates on a promotion and relegation system, with the top teams at the end of the season earning the chance to move up, while the lower-performing clubs face the risk of dropping to the National League North or South.

Matches are held in a vibrant atmosphere, with passionate fans supporting their local clubs. The England National League is known for its unpredictability and competitive spirit, making it an exciting spectacle for football enthusiasts. The tournament not only highlights the rich history and tradition of English football but also serves as a vital stepping stone for players and clubs aiming for greater success in the football pyramid.

Throughout the season, teams compete in a round-robin format, with each club playing 44 matches. The league culminates in a thrilling finale, where the top teams battle for promotion and the chance to make their mark in the higher divisions. The England National League is not just a tournament; it is a celebration of grassroots football, community pride, and the relentless pursuit of excellence on the pitch.