NPL preview | Midweek action is back as Stocksbridge make Step 3 return

Plenty of eyes are on Stocksbridge Park Steels, who will make their first appearance in Step 3 at 10 years away at Whitby Town.

Whitby were one of seven teams to taste victory on the opening weekend as Connor Smith's stoppage-time winner saw them come from behind to beat Workington 2-1.

Early season title favourites Hednesford Town, another who picked up three points on Matchday 1, welcome Warrington Town to Keys Park.

With both teams harbouring ambitions of promotion this season - the Yellows aiming to return to the National League North at the first attempt - it promises to be an intriguing clash in Staffordshire.  

Ashton United come into Matchday 2 top of the table after putting three goals past Gainsborough Trinity on their travels last weekend.

Up next for the Robins is a home game against Prescot Cables, who played out a goalless draw with Stockton Town on the opening day.

The two teams immediately below Ashton in the table - Bamber Bridge and FC United of Manchester - are both on the road on Tuesday night.

The Brig make the short trip down the M6 to face Warrington Rylands, while FC United head north as they prepare to lock horns with Lancaster City.  

Elsewhere, Cleethorpes Town host Hyde United as the Owls get ready for the first-ever Step 3 home game in the club's history.

Promoted as champions of the NPL East Division last season, Craig Rouse's side will hope to build on the positives of their point at Warrington Town on the opening day.

Last season's beaten play-off finalists Guiseley are back at Nethermoor for the visit of Hebburn Town.

The Lions won both games against Tuesday's visitors last season, scoring three goals without reply.

Ilkeston Town also play host to Gainsborough Trinity, who will be keen to respond quickly to the disappointment of their opening day defeat at Ashton United.

The Holy Blues will need to be at their best against an Ilkeston side that collected 43 points at home last season - a tally bettered only by runaway champions Macclesfield, who notched a remarkable 58 from the 63 available.

A 50-mile trip north awaits Rushall Olympic, whose first away game back at Step 3 takes them to Leek Town.

And the final game of Tuesday night comes at the MAP Group UK Stadium, where Stockton Town play host to Workington Town.

Both will go in search of their first three points of the season after stuttering starts to their respective campaigns.  

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

Fixtures - Tuesday 12 August

• Ashton United vs Prescot Cables
• Cleethorpes Town vs Hyde United
• Guiseley vs Hebburn Town
• Hednesford Town vs Warrington Town
• Ilkeston Town vs Gainsborough Trinity
• Lancaster City vs FC United of Manchester
• Leek Town vs Rushall Olympic
• Stockton Town vs Workington
• Warrington Rylands vs Bamber Bridge
• Whitby Town vs Stocksbridge Park Steels

Check out the latest fixtures and results from across the NPL East Division, NPL Midlands Division and NPL West Division.