Northern Premier League Premier Division: Turbulence at the top of the table

League leaders Matlock Town will be hoping to maintain their one point advantage over close rivals Buxton, as they host Ashton United at The Proctor Cars Stadium.

The Gladiator’s last outing saw them face-off against the Bucks in a thrilling league leaders clash which saw Matlock overturn a one goal deficit to claim all three points with a 2-1 victory.

In their way this weekend are 18th placed Ashton United who will be bolstered after a valiant display against play-off chasing FC United of Manchester last weekend, where they narrowly lost 4-3. Currently sitting two points above the relegation zone, Ashton will be motivated to avoid falling into the basement of the league.

Elsewhere, the second and fourth placed teams go head-to-head in a bid to leapfrog to the top of the league.

Bamber Bridge will welcome Buxton to the Sir Tom Finney Stadium, where a point either way could shake up the table at the end of the weekend.

Both teams will have a point to prove as they both suffered defeats in their last league outing, so you can guarantee that this fixture will be one to keep a close eye on.

Meanwhile, third placed South Shields will be hoping for both three points and a stalemate at Bamber Bridge, as the Mariners currently sit level on points with Bamber Bridge and one point below the Bucks.

Graham Fenton’s men will travel to Mickleover who sit two points above a relegation spot.

Following back-to-back 4-1 victories, Warrington Town will be aiming to maintain their excellent run of form as they travel to Broadhurst Park in a match-up with play-off chasing FC United of Manchester - who are unbeaten in their last five outings.

Further down the division, Hyde United will travel to West Manchester as they face off against Atherton Collieries, while Scarborough will hope to leapfrog Basford United when the pair face off at the Flamingo Land Stadium.

Currently on a six game unbeaten run, Morpeth Town host Stafford Rangers who sit in 8th place, while Witton Albion travel to Gainsborough in search of the three points which could move them out of a relegation spot.

Second from bottom Nantwich Town will be looking to end their nine game winless streak as they travel to Stalybridge Celtic, while last placed Grantham Town host Radcliffe.