NPL preview | Packed weekend schedule begins as top-seven rivals meet

And headlining Matchday 7 is a mouth-watering clash between Ashton United and Gainsborough Trinity.

Arguably the game of the weekend, Steve Cunnigham’s Ashton side come into the contest sitting sixth in the table on 11 points, while the Holy Blues are just a place below on 10 points, despite failing to win either of their last two games. 

The Robins have drawn each of their last two against Emley and Ilkeston Town, but could strengthen their hold on a play-off spot with a fourth victory of the season, ahead of a Bank Holiday Monday clash with Greater Manchester rivals Curzon Ashton.

Also on Friday evening, league leaders Cleethorpes Town will look to extend their unbeaten run and remain at the helm with a win at home against an in-form Curzon Ashton. 

The Nash are riding high following an impressive 4-0 win on the road at Warrington Town in midweek, thanks to Ola Lawal’s brace after goals from Alex Curran and Harvey Roberts. 

The final fixture on Friday night sees third-placed Guiseley play host to Lancaster City. 

Ian Richards’ Guiseley side are building some momentum following three successive wins, including a dramatic comeback against Bury 10 days ago. 

Their opponents, however, will feel a surge of confidence after their win against the same opposition at Salford Van Hire Gigg Lane on Matchday 6. 

Steven Yawson’s 10th minute strike was enough to give the Dolly Blues all three points and propel them to 13th in the table.

Playing a day later, the aforementioned Bury are once again at home, with Ilkeston Town the visitors. 

A win for Anthony Johnson’s side could propel them back into the play-off spots.

However, Tris Whitman’s Ilkeston side are not one to be underestimated. A battling point against Ashton United last time out showed great improvement from the Derbyshire outfit, following three successive defeats.

Much like the Shakers, Alfreton Town will be keen to rise into those play-off positions with another victory at home. 

The Reds welcome a wounded Warrington Rylands to the Impact Arena, hoping to build on a brilliant 4-0 win against Hyde United. 

Rylands, on the contrary, will be determined to bounce back after a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Workington. Neil Reynolds’ men led 2-0 on the road, before Workington scored three late goals to snatch a dramatic comeback victory. 

Returning to the scene of that stunning triumph, Workington welcome Leek Town to the Fibrus Community Stadium. 

Billy Barr’s men have climbed up to 12th following two crucial victories, while the visitors sit 16th after picking up a thrilling point on Wednesday night. 

Josh Brehaut’s side were held to a 4-4 draw at in-form Avro, conceding a last-gasp equaliser at the Vestacare Stadium. Nonetheless, there are hugely positive signs for the Blues, having scored eight goals across their previous two outings.

After missing out on two points on Wednesday evening, second-placed Avro can put pressure on leaders Cleethorpes Town with their fifth win of the campaign against Stockton Town. 

Both Harry Salt and Benito Lowe are ones to watch out for, having netted five times apiece for the Ro in the league already. 

Grant Shenton’s side will fancy their chances against the Anchors, who languish in 20th on four points. Last season’s play-off semi-finalists have a solitary win against Alfreton Town so far.

Over at Green Lane, hosts Redcar Athletic will look to continue their impressive start to life at Step 3 against bottom side FC United of Manchester. 

The Steelmen sit in fifth as one of two unbeaten sides in the division, while the visitors have suffered wildly contrasting fortunes. Mark Beesley’s men are rooted to the foot of the table on two points and without a win, despite being viewed as one of the favourites for promotion to the National League North before the season began. 

Similarly, Quorn face fellow strugglers Whitby Town as they bid to clinch their first win of the 2026/27 campaign. 

The Methodists sit second-bottom with only three points, while the Seasiders are just outside the relegation zone in 18th. Lee Bullock’s side have endured three consecutive defeats without scoring a goal, conceding 13 goals in the process. 

Hoping to bounce back from a chastening first defeat of the season against Curzon last time out, Paul Carden’s Warrington Town face off against newly-promoted Emley at the GXO Stadium. 

Sitting fourth following that first loss, the Yellows will be desperate to right the wrongs of a poor performance on Tuesday night. 

That being said, Richard Tracey’s side will offer a stern test after proving they belong at this level. The Pewits are 10th in the table on nine points, with their only defeat so far coming against Ilkeston.

Finally, over at Irongate, Jamie Milligan’s Bamber Bridge host Hyde United. 

The Brig can climb out of the relegation zone with just a second win of the season, having struggled for consistency thus far. 

As for the Tigers, who sit in 15th, they will be looking to restore some confidence after successive defeats to Avro (1-0) and Alfreton Town (4-0). 

All games will kick off at 3pm, unless stated otherwise.

Fixtures - Friday 28 August (all 7:45pm)

• Ashton United vs Gainsborough Trinity
• Cleethorpes Town vs Curzon Ashton
• Guiseley vs Lancaster City 

Fixtures - Saturday 29 August

• Alfreton Town vs Warrington Rylands
• Avro vs Stockton Town
• Bamber Bridge vs Hyde United
• Bury vs Ilkeston Town
• Quorn vs Whitby Town
• Redcar Athletic vs FC United of Manchester
• Warrington Town vs Emley
• Workington vs Leek Town

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