National League scouting report #6

The National League is rightly regarded as a fertile breeding ground for players and managers destined for big things...and our regular scouting report aims to identify the next wave of top young talent destined to make a splash in the EFL.

The only website to provide assist data for the National League, Playmaker is keeping a close eye on the action in the fifth tier - where Chesterfield have all but wrapped up the title. 

In our sixth installment, we focus on another talented trio who we're tipping to climb the Football League ladder. 

Name: Alex Kirk
Position: CB
Date of Birth: 2002/10/27 (21)
Team (Number): Bromley (15)
Nationality: England

While his parent club are locked in a thrilling three-way battle to win the Premier League, Arsenal academy star Alex Kirk is enjoying a title battle of his own in the National League.

The 21-year-old Gunner has followed a successful loan spell at Ayr United last season with another impressive spell away from the Emirates, this time at Bromley in the fifth tier.

Since joining Bromley in October, Kirk has wasted no time in showcasing his talents and he looks destined to play at a higher level. Tall, fast and a good reader of the game, Kirk is adept in 1v1 situations and has an impressive ability to shepherd forwards into less dangerous areas.

Kirk got off on the front foot at Bromley scoring on his debut against Wealdstone (a goal laid on by Brentford-bound Ben Krauhaus) and he has since clocked up 18 National League appearances, scoring two goals and supplying two assists.

That single assist to Kirk's name this season was a valuable and dramatic one - as it came in the 94th minute and set up Sam Woods' injury-time winner in a 4-3 home victory over National League champions Chesterfield.

Part of the second-best defence in the division, Kirk has gained invaluable experience with the third-placed Ravens - and the young defender will hope to top it off with a large dose of play-off glory at Wembley.

Name: Gatlin O´Donkor
Position: PL
Date of Birth: 2004/10/14 (19)
Team (Number): Barnet/Oxford (19)
Nationality: England

@Getty /

Deemed a 'very good young prospect' by Oxford Unite manager Des Buckingham, 19-year-old Gatlin O'Donkor was allowed to leave The U's on loan in February to gain regular game time...and the goals have since flowed regularly for the striker at Barnet.

Currently second in the fifth flight of English football, the Bees have enjoyed a strong season despite being unable to match the pace set by National League champions Chesterfield, and they are second only to the Spireites in the division's goal charts with 87 strikes and counting.

In 14 games for Barnet, O'Donkor has already shown a keen eye for goal: finding the net six times and supplying two assists. Athletic and pacy, the teenager has an impressive ability to get his shots off quickly and is a big threat in behind defences.

What has also stood out is his composure and temperament in front of goal, his swivel and volley in a 2-1 win over Eastleigh a fine example of his clinical edge.

The play-offs are a law unto themselves, but Oxford loanee O'Donkor could potentially go head-to-head with Arsenal loanee Kirk at Wembley should Barnet and Bromley make it there at the end of the campaign.

Pick that one out 🚀#BarnetFC🐝 pic.twitter.com/mJooMQ9qJA

— Barnet FC 🐝 (@BarnetFC) March 20, 2024

Name: Danny Ormerod
Position: PL
Date of Birth: 2006 (18)
Team (Number): Fylde (29)
Nationality: England

After winning only two of their opening 15 National League games this season, Fylde have turned their season around and gradually steered themselves well clear of the relegation dogfight.

The talented Nick Haughton (18G, 3A) has been the Coasters' main attacking spearhead, but the emergence of 18-year-old Danny Ormerod has injected additional feel-good factor to life at Mill Farm.

Released by Blackpool as a youngster, Ormerod has come through the ranks at Fylde's academy and his goal-scoring exploits for the Coasters' young guns in the FA Youth Cup helped earn him his first professional contract last November.

The rangy striker has since been integrated into Chris Beech's senior side and a return of seven goals and four assists so far this season suggest Fylde have a very promising young talent on their hands.

With his high shorts and low socks, Ormerod has his own distinct style, but his impact this term has been founded on a fantastic temperament, work-rate and finishing.

Still developing, the young striker looks able to score different types of goals (see his first two goals for Fylde against Rochdale: one sweet long-range strike followed by a scruffy finish from a corner) and as he adds more physicality to his game, he seems set to become even more of a handful.

A teenager with 11 goal involvements already in his brief time in the National League, Ormerod is certainly one to keep an eye on.

📺 At the back stick.#BornToBeFylde

— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) March 3, 2024