Premier Division preview: All to play for on final day of the season

By James Gordon

The regular season in the Northern Premier League reaches its conclusion on Saturday, with business to be done at the top and bottom of the division.

South Shields are already confirmed as champions, while Warrington Town, Bamber Bridge and Gainsborough Trinity are all secure in the play-off places.

Hyde United, who currently occupy the final play-off place, travel to the Yellows on Saturday knowing their fate is in their own hands- win and they will be in the play-offs. They also have a much better goal difference than Radcliffe, their nearest challengers in the league table.

The Tigers will come up against a Warrington side that saw their 22-match unbeaten run brought to an end last week by the champions. Meanwhile, Hyde recorded their first win in six games last week against Marine.

Town are also still playing for second place. Should they slip up, Bamber Bridge can take second place with victory over Ashton United.

Radcliffe are just outside the play-off places on goal difference. They travel to Nantwich Town, who still have something to play for following their 2-2 draw against Marske United on Thursday night.

Should both of them fail to win, Matlock Town can steal the final play-off position. They travel to Marine, who are looking to secure an eighth-placed finish.

At the bottom of the table, it's going to be a straight fight between Nantwich Town and Atherton Collieries for the final relegation spot.

The Dabbers are in the bottom four at the moment, and they need to beat Radcliffe to stand any chance of getting out of trouble. They are three points behind Atherton, but with a better goal difference.

The Colls face Stalybridge Celtic knowing they will be safe if they avoid defeat.

Fixtures - Saturday 22 April

Bamber Bridge v Ashton United
Gainsborough Trinity v FC United of Manchester
Lancaster City v Guiseley
Liversedge v Marske United
Marine v Matlock Town
Morpeth Town v Warrington Rylands
Nantwich Town v Radcliffe
Stafford Rangers v South Shields
Stalybridge Celtic v Atherton Collieries
Warrington Town v Hyde United
Whitby Town v Belper Town

Where next?

NPL Final Day: All the possible permutations Saturday marks the final day of the regular season on Saturday across the Northern Premier League.
Pitching In Volunteer of the Month Young Bridlington Town reporter Ben Edwards is following in his father’s keystrokes and sitting in the same press box he graced as a young boy.

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