Non-League Day takes place this Saturday, with a number of matches taking place in Teesside and the surrounding areas.
Here are some of the matches you could enjoy close to home during the international break, as explained by non-league expert Mark Carruthers...
National League: Hartlepool United v Boston United
It has been a challenging season for Pools and Saturday’s game feels bigger than expected. As it stands, Anthony Limerick’s side are sat just below the midway point of non-league’s top tier and are nine points clear of the relegation zone. However, Saturday’s visitors are one of three clubs beneath them in the table to hold three games in-hand over Pools and that means getting a win against the Pilgrims would provide a major boost.
National League North: Spennymoor Town v Farsley Celtic
Managed by Boro lad Graeme Lee, the Moors are enjoying a remarkable season and are potentially just 90 minutes from Wembley after reaching the last four of the FA Trophy. Their semi-final trip to Rochdale will come next month - but for now, they are fully focused on continuing their push for a play-off spot in non-league’s second tier. As it stands ahead of Saturday’s home clash with struggling Farsley, the Moors are seven points adrift of the play-off places - but also have the benefit of holding a game in hand on those in the top seven.
Northern Premier League Premier Division: Stockton Town v Ilkeston Town
Stockton’s rise up the non-league pyramid has been one of the best stories across the North East non-league game over the last decade. Not so long ago, ground grading issues meant the Anchors were denied a place in the Northern League despite claiming successive Wearside League titles. After finally making the jump in 2016, Michael Dunwell’s men have thrived and have earned a further three promotions to reach the Northern Premier League Premier Division. Another elevation into the National League North is not out of the question and they can strengthen their grip on a play-off place with a win against an Ilkeston side sat one place and four points behind them.
Northern League Division One: Boro Rangers v Blyth Town
Boro Rangers have enjoyed a spectacular introduction into life in the Northern League after claiming the Division Two title in 2023 just 12 months after securing promotion. A solid seventh-placed finish in their first year in Division One has provided momentum for another promotion push as they head into Saturday’s home game with third-placed Blyth Town sat inside the play-off places.
Northern League Division Two: Thornaby v Ryton and Crawcrook Albion
This is a fascinating clash at Teesdale Park as two sides with a chance of claiming a play-off spot go head-to-head. They are both sat on 65 points and are just one point adrift of the play-off places ahead of Saturday’s game. That means both sides will have one eye on Chester-le-Street United and Esh Winning, who both sit within striking distance of the top five.
Northern League Division Two: Yarm and Eaglescliffe v Boldon CA
After a solid eighth-placed finish in their first season in the Northern League’s second tier, Yarm and Eaglescliffe are now firmly in the promotion race and could even take over top spot with just weeks remaining if results fall their way this weekend. A home game with Boldon CA lies in wait but there will be one eye on leaders Horden CW, who will visit play-off contenders Esh Winning on Saturday.
Northern League Division Two: FC Hartlepool v Billingham Town
FC Hartlepool’s play-off hopes are all but over but there is no doubt it has been yet another promising season in the Northern League for the Grayfields outfit. Their visitors are hoping to end the season by building some momentum and are sat just below the midway points of the Division Two table.
Northern League Division Two: Redcar Town v Darlington Town
This is a meeting of two sides sat in the bottom half of the Division Two table - although neither is in any danger of being relegated. Both teams will hope to finish a solid campaign on a high as they head into the closing stages.
Non-League Day fixtures (3pm unless stated)
National League
Gateshead v Tamworth (NE10 0EF)
Hartlepool United v Boston United (TS24 8BZ)
National League North
Darlington v Rushall Olympic (DL1 5NR)
Leamington v South Shields (CV33 9QB)
Spennymoor Town v Farsley Celtic (DL16 6JN)
Northern Premier League Premier Division
Hebburn Town v Guiseley (NE31 1UN)
Lancaster City v Morpeth Town (LA1 5PE)
Matlock Town v Blyth Spartans (DE4 3AR)
Stockton Town v Ilkeston Town (TS19 0QD)
Northern Premier League East Division
Consett v Brighouse Town (DH8 7BF)
Dunston UTS v Bradford Park Avenue (NE11 9JL)
Heaton Stannington v Bridlington Town (NE7 7HP)
Liversedge v Bishop Auckland (WF15 8DF)
Newton Aycliffe v North Ferriby (DL5 5AG)
Northern League Division One
Boro Rangers v Blyth Town (TS4 3JW)
North Shields v Kendal Town (NE29 0LH)
Northallerton Town v Newcastle Blue Star (DL7 8HA)
Penrith v Redcar Athletic (CA11 8UA)
Seaham Red Star v Guisborough Town (SR7 0BH)
Tow Law Town v Easington Colliery (DL13 4EQ)
West Auckland Town v Shildon (DL14 9HU)
Whitley Bay v Carlisle City (NE25 8HR)
Northern League Division Two
Bedlington Terriers v Newcastle University (NE22 5DP)
Chester-le-Street United v Grangetown Boys Club (SR4 0HB)
Esh Winning v Horden CW (DH7 9BQ)
FC Hartlepool v Billingham Town (TS24 8PJ)
Prudhoe YC v Billingham Synthonia (NE42 5EH)
Redcar Town v Darlington Town (TS10 5BW)
Sunderland RCA v Jarrow (SR2 0NZ)
Thornaby v Ryton and Crawcrook Albion (TS17 7JU)
Washington v Sunderland West End (NE37 3HR)
Yarm and Eaglescliffe v Boldon CA (TS23 4AE)