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NPL preview | The final day

The final day of the NPL Premier Division is nearly upon us, with the title, final play-off spot and two relegation spots still to be decided.

Starting at the top, both Hebburn Town and Hednesford Town are locked on 76 points and have both won four in a row heading into a tense final day.

The title is in Hebburn’s hands, and a win at home to Rushall Olympic will all-but-confirm their place in the National League North next season.

The Pics have put together a timely three-game winning run to eliminate any relegation fears heading into the final day.

A draw or a defeat for Daniel Moore’s side would open the door for Rushall’s local rivals, Hednesford, to swoop in and take the title from their hands, if they better Hebburn’s result when they take on Ashton United at Keys Park.

Steve Cunningham’s side also have very little to play for, but they could ensure a top-10 finish if they pick up all three points.

In the event of both Hebburn and Hednesford winning, the Pitmen could win the title if their victory is by six more goals than Hebburn’s.

In the race for fifth place, Stockton Town have a slim advantage heading into the final day, after they drew 1-1 at FC United of Manchester on Tuesday night to move one point ahead of both Lancaster City and Gainsborough Trinity.

Therefore, a win for the Anchors away at Warrington Rylands, who know that they’ll be finishing fourth this season, will secure consecutive play-off finishes for Michael Dunwell’s side.

Failure to win, though, would open the door for the chasing pack to climb into the top five.

Lancaster are the side in sixth, and they host already-relegated Stocksbridge Park Steels, while Gainsborough travel to Hyde United, who are unbeaten in five and secured their survival last weekend at FC United.

Lancaster’s goal difference is just two better than Gainsborough’s, so in the event of Stockton dropping points and the two chasers winning, a win by three goals more than the Dolly Blues would be enough for Russ Wilcox’s side to climb into the top five too.

And down at the bottom, three teams are fighting to avoid the final two relegation spots.

Whitby Town know that all they need is a point from their home game against Cleethorpes Town to retain their place at Step 3 for next season.

Defeat for the Seasiders, paired with a win for Prescot Cables at home to Bamber Bridge, would see Cables climb above them.

A loss for Whitby and dropped points for Prescot could open the door for Morpeth Town to climb above both of them and out of danger.

The Highwaymen host Warrington Town, but would need a seven-goal swing to climb up above Whitby on goal difference.

Elsewhere, FC United know that they’ll be finishing third and welcoming Rylands to Broadhurst Park on Tuesday in the play-off semi-finals.

They’ll be looking to end this mini-slump of one win in four and build some momentum heading into the post-season when they travel to Ilkeston Town.

And, after completing the great escape with a game to spare, Workington’s final game at Borough Park will be a celebratory occasion.

They welcome Leek Town, who have won their last five games and will see themselves finish inside the top eight if they pick up a sixth straight victory against Billy Barr’s side.

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

Fixtures - Saturday 25 April