NPL preview | Saturday 21 October

League leaders Radcliffe sit six points clear at the top of the table after winning 10 of their first 11 games.

They will face a tough challenge in their bid to extend their lead as they travel to third-placed Ashton United who come into this game on the back of a dominant 5-0 victory over Matlock Town in midweek.

Also in the chasing pack, Warrington Rylands, who sit in second place, will host Hyde United at Gorsey Lane.

The Blues have enjoyed a flying start to the 2023/24 season but almost suffered an upset last time out away at Gainsborough Trinity, with Matty Regan’s last-gasp equaliser earning them an important point in the race at the top.

Macclesfield will be hoping to build upon their hard-fought 2-1 victory over rivals Marine on Tuesday as they travel to Craik Park to take on Morpeth Town.

The Highwaymen brushed off their recent woes by enacting revenge on FC United of Manchester, who knocked them out of the FA Trophy two weeks ago, with a blitzing 5-2 victory at Broadhurst Park.

Elsewhere, Marine welcome Lancaster City as they aim to bounce back from Tuesday night’s defeat with a win that would keep them within a play-off spot. Standing in their way is the Dolly Blues who will also be looking for a response after suffering two defeats from their last two league outings, as well as being dumped out of both the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

After a poor start, Gainsborough Trinity will travel to Workington where they go in search of their third victory in five games as they look to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

However, the Holy Blues will have to bring their A-game if they are to overcome their opponents at Borough Park as the Reds have won five of their opening six fixtures on home soil, and they will be fired up to give their long-standing talisman Dan Wordsworth a good send-off after he announced his retirement on Thursday.

Worksop Town will be hoping to put their FA Cup magic to use as they host Bradford (Park Avenue). The Tigers booked their place in the FA Cup first round with an excellent 3-2 victory over National League North side Boston United last weekend, and they will be hoping to move within the top five with a win against the Green Army who have been winless in their previous six games.

Whitby Town, who have also secured their spot in the FA Cup first round, will welcome Matlock Town to the Turnbull Ground. A win for the Seasiders would see them move within the top half of the table, should results go their way, while the Gladiators will be hoping for a response after succumbing to a 5-0 thrashing at home against Ashton United on Tuesday.

Ilkeston Town could edge closer to a play-off spot with a victory over Guiseley at the New Manor Ground this weekend. The Robins were the latest team to fall victim to the rampaging Radcliffe last weekend, but prior to that, they have picked up 10 points from their previous four fixtures and will be aiming to bounce back tomorrow.

Following their 5-2 defeat to the Highwaymen last weekend, Neil Reynolds will be looking for a response from his FC United of Manchester side as they travel to Basford United, who have only won one of their 11 games so far.

Meanwhile, Atherton Collieries take on Marske United in a 22nd versus 20th clash where a win could prove pivotal to either side’s hopes of survival in the Premier Division.

Finally, Bamber Bridge travel to face Stafford Rangers in the hopes of picking up their fourth win of the season, while Boro go in search of a much-needed three points which could see them move out of the relegation zone.

All fixtures will take place on Saturday 14 October, unless stated otherwise.

Fixtures - Saturday 21 October

Ashton United v Radcliffe
Atherton Collieries v Marske United
Basford United v FC United of Manchester
Ilkeston Town v Guiseley
Marine v Lancaster City
Morpeth Town v Macclesfield
Stafford Rangers v Bamber Bridge
Warrington Rylands v Hyde United
Whitby Town v Matlock Town
Workington AFC v Gainsborough Trinity
Worksop Town v Bradford (Park Avenue)