N/West Preview: Chance for Pontefract Collieries

Both sides are in-form, taking 16 points from a possible 18 in their last six fixtures.

Pontefract Collieries head into the weekend on a six-game unbeaten league streak, including their 2-0 win over Brighouse Town in the league, with goals from Jack Greenhough and Jake Picton.

The Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by Marine, with Conor Gual opening the scoring for Clitheroe from the spot and Craig Lindfield leveling the scores in the second half for a share of the spoilt.

Just two points separate the sides on the league table.

At the top of the table, Workington were recently involved on the right side of a six-goal thriller, beating Ossett United 4-2 with goals from Sam Smith, Scott Allison, Nathan Waterston and Brad Carroll. They host Prescot Cables at Borough Park, with manager Danny Grainger eyeing up three trophies this season, with their Integro League Cup clash postponed against Mossley.

“We’re going into it in three different competitions and I want to win them all,” he said.

“We’ll be making changes and I’ll want to have a look at a couple of younger lads to see if they’re ready for the first team.

“We want to get a result for the club and the squad’s looking good with the likes of Taylor [Charters] coming in and Brad being back.”

Trafford, who lead a group of three teams all on 28 points, were recently held to a 0-0 draw with Widnes, and they travel to 11th-placed Runcorn Linnets.

Widnes have been busy off the field recently, releasing both defender Danny Shaw and goalkeeper Owen Wheeler, while promoting current academy head coach Craig Davies to first team coach. They host Brighouse Town, who have also announced the departure of Carl Stewart, while Harrison Beeden has extended his loan from Rotherham United.

Dunston recently put some breathing space between themselves and bottom side Pickering Town with a 2-0 win at Mossley, only their third win of the season. They host Kendal Town.

Marine have confirmed the signing of Danny Shaw for his second stint at the club following his Widnes release, and he could be back in action this weekend as they host Ossett United.

In fifth spot, Ramsbottom United host Droylsden and Pickering Town face Colne.

Elsewhere, in seventh place, Marske United head into the weekend following an 8-0 victory over Northallerton Town in the North Riding Senior Cup First Round, and they host Mossley.