EXCITEMENT abounds in our Enterprise National League this week featuring a full set of matches under floodlights and William Hill News take a look at the action.
Memories are still vivid concerning last season’s tumultuous title race where York City pipped Rochdale to top spot when those two clubs drew 1-1 on the final day.
Then in a pulsating Promotion Final at Wembley Stadium, Rochdale edged Boreham Wood 3-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
Football betting odds would suggest another closely contested title race is unfolding. Only two teams boast 100 percent records after three games played. And two sides have yet to record a point.
Here is my analysis of the upcoming fixtures I am looking forward to most alongside considered score predictions to assist your betting…
Thursday 27th August 2026
Boreham Wood v Boston United Prediction
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 4th versus 6th
Boreham Wood preview – Two points below pole position. I was at Wembley Stadium for Boreham Wood’s heartbreaking defeat against Rochdale in the Promotion Play-Off Final in May.
The Wood were leading 2-1 until Mani Dieseruvwe nodded a powerful equaliser seven minutes into added time at the very end. Rochdale subsequently won the penalty shoot-out.
What I remember most that day was the stardust sprinkled performance of 23 year old Wood wide man Abdul Abdulmalik. He basically ran the show and scored a great goal. Probably the best Non-League player I’ve ever seen.
Boreham Wood reportedly turned down £1 million and £1.5 million transfer bids for Abdulmalik over the past few days. Meanwhile, Wood midfield men Tom White and Zak Brunt agreed new contracts on Tuesday.
Boston United preview – Their third season beyond promotion back to the National League finishing 19th and 12th to date so a further year of improvement is planned.
Presently protecting successive wins without conceding a goal versus Altrincham (1-0 home) and Solihull Moors (2-0 away).
Score prediction: Wood wonderful 4-2.
Friday 28th August 2026
Southend United v Kidderminster Harriers Prediction
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 1st versus 15th
Southend United preview – Top of the pile due to a 100 percent return. Therefore an encouraging start for new boss Kieron Dyer. The former Ipswich Town, Newcastle United and England midfielder was installed at Roots Hall on 8th June.
Kidderminster Harriers preview – Freshly promoted through the National League North Play-Offs beating hosts South Shields 2-0 in the Final.
Paul Wotton was named as Kidderminster’s first team manager on 26th May with previous boss Adam Murray switching to Barrow. Wotton has overseen a varied opening of one win, one draw and one defeat.
Score prediction: Super seaside Shrimpers 3-0.
Gateshead v Sutton United Prediction
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 17th versus 2nd
Gateshead preview – One victory sandwiched between two losses. Accordingly a mixed bag for ex-Middlesbrough and Sunderland midfield man Lee Cattermole who was unveiled as Gateshead manager on 16th June.
Sutton United preview – Two disappointing positions of 12th and 19th since EFL League Two relegation in 2024. Although three wins from three suggest the U’s will be a different proposition this time around. Currently sitting second on goal difference.
Score prediction: U’s utopia 1-0.
Aldershot Town v Harrogate Town Prediction
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 14th versus 3rd
Aldershot Town preview – Scott Davies took managerial responsibilities once 2025/26 affairs were concluded. The Shots impressively triumphed 1-0 at Boston United in their initial fixture but merely one point gained in two succeeding games.
Harrogate Town preview – Their six year EFL tenure ended via League Two relegation in May. However boss Simon Weaver is vastly experienced at this level and is unbeaten in 2026/27 mustering two wins and a draw.
Score prediction: Shoddy 0-0.
Hartlepool United v Eastleigh Prediction
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 5th versus 8th
Hartlepool United preview – Two straight wins petered out in last Saturday’s 2-1 reverse at Sutton United. So back to the drawing board for new first team head coach Lee Clark. The former Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town manager assumed Pools duties on 14th May.
Eastleigh preview – They have built up club infrastructure magnificently over recent years despite close four mile proximity to bigger neighbours Southampton FC.
New first team manager Matt Gray (appointed on 14th May) has six points on the board at Eastleigh. But spare a thought for their loyal supporters making the 600 mile round trip to Hartlepool on Friday night!
Score prediction: Super-duper 4-4.
Hornchurch v Woking Prediction
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 7th versus 18th
Hornchurch preview – Won promotion in the National League South Play-Offs defeating visitors Torquay United 3-2 after extra-time in a memorable Final.
Thus gracing the National League for the first time in their history. Two wins out of three attempts is a decent 2026/27 commencement too.
Woking preview – Craig Ross and Jake Hyde continue as caretaker managers in light of high profile Jermain Defoe’s departure four weeks ago.
Just one victory for the interim duo which was 3-2 at home to Fylde last Saturday. The former Wealdstone and Tottenham youth defender Anthony Georgiou has joined Woking this week penning a short-term contract.
Score prediction: Woking winners 2-1.
Rest of the Enterprise National League score predictions:
- Altrincham v Halifax Town: 2-3
- Barrow v Yeovil Town: 0-2
- AFC Fylde v Forest Green Rovers: 2-2
- Scunthorpe United v Solihull Moors: 0-0
- Tamworth v Worthing: 0-1
- Wealdstone v Carlisle United: 1-1
