Thomas Feaheny – National League Picks – 1st January 2024

Barnet v Southend
It's been a difficult few years for Southend and they'll be hoping that that can change with all that's happened off the pitch, they'll be hoping for some more stable footing over the next few years. Really is a credit to what the club has been able to do on the pitch over the past few months, this is going to be a really tough game for the Shrimpers going up against a good Barnett side.
They still have that outside chance of trying to get first place come at the end of the campaign and I do think it will be Barnett who are able to gain the win. I think though there'll be some late goals in this one and I'm going to say goals past the 75th minute would be a smart outcome considering the attacking talent that Barnet have on their bench and the work that Southend and their squad have been put through over the past few months - I do see them tiring out in this game.
Barnet for the win and late goals in this one.
Oldham Athletic v Hartlepool United
Both these sides at the start of the season would have been dreaming of top spot but both have struggled. Now a play-off place would be deemed a very more realistic alternative. I've got a feeling that it will be Oldham to gain the win here. Hartlepool, whose form has been so hit and miss during that opening half of the campaign, sacked John Askey so without a manager they could be very vulnerable against Oldham
Micky Mellon knows his side need to hit a consistent run of form for a promotion push and he has got a knack of getting his teams on a good run of form, especially during this part of the campaign when all the games are coming thick and fast.
Oldham for the win and maybe to win to nil.

York City v Gateshead
There's been plenty of change at York City throughout the campaign so far. A new manager and new players coming in as well. Well, there's also been a managerial change at Gateshead and through different circumstances.
Losing Mike Williamson was a blow but Gateshead are still playing the attractive attacking football he used to play and I think they will be too strong for York City. I do feel there are going to be goals in this one, I'm going to say over 2.5 goals in this game, I think there's going to be some real drama taking place in this match.
Gateshead to win and over 2.5 goals in the match.

So my predictions for this set of fixtures sees Barnet gaining the three points. I think Oldham Athletic will get the win and I think Gateshead will get that away victory as well.