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NPL preview | Duo eye top spot in latest round of midweek fixtures

After a weekend of FA Cup action, a full list of midweek football returns in the Northern Premier League this evening.

With league leaders Lancaster City out of action tonight, the opportunity to grasp top spot from the Dolly Blues falls to the nearest two sides, FC United of Manchester and Gainsborough Trinity, who both sit three points adrift of the summit.

Mark Beesley's Reds, who have enjoyed a fantastic start to their league campaign thus far, will be keen to make amends following a shock 1-0 defeat to Step 5 side Chadderton in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The result was their first loss at Broadhurst Park this season. However, they will aim to maintain their unbeaten league run on home soil when they welcome a Morpeth Town outfit who, despite prevailing over Witton Albion in the FA Cup, will be on the hunt for just their second league victory of the season.

Should they prevail over the Highwaymen this evening, FC United would likely reclaim top spot by way of their superior goal difference over the teams around them.

Meanwhile, third-placed Gainsborough Trinity enjoyed cup success over the weekend with a 2-1 victory against fellow Northern Premier League side Rushall Olympic.

The Holy Blues are currently on a five-game winning streak in all competitions, boasting an even greater unbeaten run which extends all the way back to Matchday 4.

With momentum on their side, Russ Wilcox's men welcome Whitby Town to the Kal Group Stadium. The Seasiders will be aiming to rectify their performance at the weekend, having exited the FA Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Hyde United.

Buoyed by their 7-0 cup victory over local rivals Coleshill Town, Hednesford Town travel north to take on Leek Town.

The Pitmen ended a four-game winless league run with a 2-1 victory over Ilkeston Town last Tuesday, and another three points this evening could see them move up to second place, should results go their way.

However, Gavin Hurren's side will be well aware of the threat posed by the Blues, who have only lost once at home in the NPL all season.

Stockton Town currently occupy fifth place by virtue of their goal difference, and they will look to solidify their spot in the top five with a win at home over Guiseley.

The Anchors are one of several sides with 13 points to their name, with Rushall Olympic and Warrington Rylands looking to stake their claim to leapfrog their nearest rivals and into the play-off places.

Neil Reynolds' side saw their unbeaten run in the league ended at the hands of leaders Lancaster City last time out, and it will prove to be another difficult test for them this evening as they host an Ashton United side full of confidence following their impressive 2-0 win over National League North outfit Scarborough Athletic on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Pics' last victory in the NPL came on Matchday 4. Standing in their way of breaking into the top five is Hyde United, who will be keen to shake off their early-season woes with a third league win of the season.

Elsewhere, Warrington Town make the short 23-mile trip to north-west rivals Prescot Cables.

The Yellows' last recorded league victory on the road came in October 2024, but it is shaping up to be another difficult test for Paul Carden's side, who are the lowest-scoring team in the division with just three goals.

They will come up against a Cables side who are yet to taste defeat at Hope Street in the league this season.

Basement side Stocksbridge Park Steels travel to Lancashire on Tuesday night to take on Bamber Bridge.

The Steels are yet to record a victory in the league this season, while a win for Jamie Milligan's Brig side would see them move further towards the top half of the table.

Finally, Ilkeston Town welcome Cleethorpes Town to the New Manor Ground in their bid to end a run of four consecutive defeats in all competitions.

All games will kick off at 7:45pm, unless stated otherwise.

Fixtures - Tuesday 16 September