National League games this weekend: Forest Green Rovers and Halifax Town among must-watch opening clashes

Last season saw the greatest title race in National League history with York City securing top spot in a winner-takes-all final-day classic against Rochdale as Josh Stones' stoppage-time leveller cancelled out Emanuel Dieseruwwe's opener within minutes.

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Relive the drama as Rochdale clinch promotion on penalties

Watch Boreham Wood vs. Rochdale highlights

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This campaign promises to be a competitive one with longstanding EFL duo Harrogate Town and Barrow joining a host of reputable fifth-tier clubs.

With every match to be aired live this weekend, supporters truly are spoilt for choice, but which opening-day fixtures look the most enticing?

Here, DAZN News selects the pick of the opening weekend action.

National League matches live on DAZN

Forest Green Rovers vs. Halifax Town

• Date: Saturday, August 8
• Time: 3pm
• Venue: The New Lawn

Two sides with promotion aspirations collide on the opening day of the National League as Forest Green Rovers host Halifax Town.

Robbie Savage's men were fancied last term but finished in seventh before being defeated in a play-off eliminator by Boreham Wood, who were beaten by Rochdale on penalties in the final.

As for Halifax, they were also in the play-off conversation until the latter stages of the campaign but fell 11 points and one place short of the Green.

Savage has remained in charge, unlike several of the other well-known names in the division and will be expected to improve on last season's showing.

A host of players have left the club this summer, but Omari Patrick and James Berry have decent EFL records and look like astute acquisitions.

The Shaymen have appointed ex-Buxton boss John McGrath to take over from Adam Lakeland, and he will be eyeing a third successive play-off finish on his CV.

Hartlepool United vs. Barrow

• Date: Saturday, August 8
• Time: 3pm 
• Venue: Prestige Group Stadium

Another gargantuan clash comes from the Prestige Group Stadium as promotion hopefuls Hartlepool United welcome recently relegated Barrow.

The Monkey Hangers have made several statements this summer, with former Rotherham United boss Lee Clark appointed to build on last season's ninth-placed finish.

Hartlepool have also made a series of headline signings by acquiring Will Harris and Jack Nolan from Halifax and Morecambe respectively; the pair notched 41 National League goals between them and are expected to elevate the North East club this season.

Barrow's six-year stay in League Two came to an end last season as they finished bottom of the fourth tier, but the club have appointed former Kidderminster Harriers boss Adam Murray in a bid to escape the National League.

Murray took the Harriers up from the National League North last term and will be eyeing a third promotion with the Bluebirds.

Carlisle United vs. Worthing

• Date: Saturday, August 8
• Time: 3pm 
• Venue: Brunton Park

The title favourites meet one of the new boys as Carlisle United and Worthing clash in a National League version of David vs Goliath.

The Cumbrians finished third last season but fell to Boreham Wood after extra time in the play-off semi-finals before manager Mark Hughes mutually agreed to end his contract.

Rob Elliot, who spearheaded Gateshead's remarkable turnaround last term, comes in as boss and will be buoyed by the arrivals of Toby Mullarkey, Miguel Azeez and Kenton Richardson.

Worthing were worthy National League South champions last season and are competing in the fifth tier for the first time in their history under Adam Hinshelwood.

The Rebels built their success on their free-flowing attacking exploits and will be hoping that Brad Dolaghan can repeat his impressive returns in a higher division.

National League games taking place this weekend

Saturday, August 8 (all games kick off at 3pm and are live on DAZN) 

• AFC Fylde v Wealdstone
• Altrincham v Southend United
• Boreham Wood v Tamworth
• Boston United v Aldershot Town
• Carlisle United v Worthing
• Eastleigh v Gateshead
• Forest Green Rovers v FC Halifax Town
• Harrogate Town v Solihull Moors
• Hartlepool United v Barrow
• Hornchurch v Kidderminster Harriers
• Scunthorpe United v Yeovil Town
• Woking v Sutton United

The National League, only on DAZN

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