NPL Preview | Saturday 17 February

With 10 weeks left in the campaign, the Business end of the season is truly underway and we have several key fixtures in the League to look forward to this season

The headline match of the weekend in the Premier Division sees Marine currently in 3rd travelling to Stainton Park as Radcliffe look to return to winning ways after 2 draws in the last 7 days, their first of the campaign.

The Fixture will see the host want to avenge the defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign alongside attempt to open a potential 15 point lead at the top, while also seeing former Player/Manager Bobby Grant return back to Radcliffe for the first time since leaving the club following the final day defeat at Nantwich last April

With the rest of the chasing pack playing sides lower down the table, its a big weekend for both Macclesfield and Ilkeston Town at Moss Rose when they face off, with dropped points potentially being a heavy hit on the hunt for the top 5. Macclesfield remain on a high following their FA Trophy win last weekend face a Ilkeston looking to return to winning ways after their late defeat to Lancaster weekend. The Robins are currently 8 points behind the playoff spots, and four of the other sides currently in contention in the next 5 games, they know a win against the hosts will be a huge opportunity to get back in top 5 race.

Hyde United will be looking to add to their 13 game unbeaten streak as Stafford Rangers visit Ewen Fields, looking to capitalise on the result at Radcliffe, in top form side will be welcoming a Rangers who will be playing for the first time since January 27th but in a 4 game losing streak, and with games in hand on the other sides in the relegation zone, the visitors know a good win today will but potentially back in the hunt to stay up.

With 4 straight draws on the Road, Warrington Rylands will be looking to celebrate Michael Clegg's contract extension at Broadhurst Park as they visit a FC United looking to return to winning ways in the League following their 4-1 win on Tuesday against French side FC Bensky and a strong showing against the League leaders in their last league campaign. The away side know sitting in 2nd place a win today paired with Radcliffe v Marine 's results could either close the gap to the leaders or give breathing space in the playoff push from the sides below

Worksop Town's mixed form of recent weeks will be looking to improve as the Tigers travel to Matlock Town who will be looking to reverse their own recent fortunes against in-form sides while Guiseley will be looking to make the most of any slip ups in the playoff races while they welcome Morpeth Town to West Yorkshire.

Lancaster City's late showings have put them in the chase for the playoffs (3 of the last 5 point scoring games featuring 90th minute goals) welcome Workington to the Giant Axe. With the Dolly Blues only 3 points off 5th currently, they will want to add to their 3 game winning streak, especially with 22 points coming from the last 11 games,

Ashton United will be looking to return to winning ways as they face Bradford (Park Avenue). The Manchester Robins with only 1 win in 5 face a side picking up two straight wins, but Bradford will be looking to record their first home win since August.

Atherton Collieries will be looking to bounce back from dropping 2 points on Tuesday in the 100th minute as they hope their match away at Bamber Bridge goes ahead (10am Inspection), The Colls (bar against Gainsborough) have been in free scoring form and recent results have brought them back within range of the relegation spots, while Bamber Bridge stopped the run of three defeats last weekend up in the North East and will want to ensure they keep away from any late relegation scraps

Basford United meanwhile will be looking to drag Gainsborough back into the fight down the wrong end of the table when they travel to the Northolme. 8 points seperate the sides, both sitting just above the drop zone, but with the fixtures amongst the bottom remaining, the race to survive could remain wide open with the right result

A quick glance of the First Divisions, Stockton's lead has been reduced in recent weeks, but the Top 3 sides are all on the road to playoff chasing North Ferriby,Carlton Town (Hebburn) and Consett (Belper Town), while a early 6 pointer at Stocksbridge Park Steels as Winterton Rangers visit Bracken Moor

In the Midlands the close title race between the Top 3 sees all those sides face Mid-Table sides as leaders Harborough Town travel to Boldmere, Spalding face Bedworth and Anstey Nomads welcome Walsall Wood (10am Inspection),

Leek Town took a hUge step towards the West title on Tuesday night and look to continue their good form at home to Vauxhall Motors, Prescot Cables look to return to winning ways against Hanley Town while the playoff race continues to intensify as Third place Runcorn Linnets travel to Stalybridge, with the result at Bower Fold being important to Avro (away at Kidsgrove),Witton at Home to Widnes and Clitheroe welcoming Chasetown could have a significant say in the race for the top 5

See all of today's fixtures HERE