NPL preview | Saturday 23 December

Defeat in their top-of-the-table clash with Warrington Rylands last weekend means Radcliffe start the day just three points clear at the top of the division.

They visit Hyde United, who could end the weekend level with teams in the play-off spots - although the Tigers' inferior goal difference means even a win likely wouldn't be enough to see them end the day in the top five.

Rylands, meanwhile, host an Atherton Collieries side struggling for form, with their poor run of results worsened by a 5-0 thumping at home to Marine in midweek.

The Mariners, buoyed by that win, travel to a Whitby Town side that moved to within three points of the play-offs with a 1-0 victory of their own at home to Stafford Rangers on Tuesday night.

At the Northolme, Gainsborough Trinity and Macclesfield will both go in search of a return to winning ways before Christmas.

The Holy Blues have lost their last three league games in a row while the Silkmen have failed to win either of their last two - a 4-3 home defeat to Bradford Park Avenue last Saturday compounded by a goalless draw against Workington in midweek.

There are some big games further down the division, with FC United playing host to Dave Cooke's second-bottom Stafford Rangers at Broadhurst Park.

Bradford Park Avenue are at home to Bamber Bridge, with a win for either side providing some much-needed breathing space between themselves and the bottom four.

All fixtures will take place on Saturday 16 December at 3pm, unless stated otherwise.

Saturday's games will be followed by another full round of fixtures on Boxing Day and further games either side of the new year.

Fixtures - Saturday 23 December

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

Click here for the latest fixtures from the NPL East Division, NPL Midlands Division and NPL West Division.