Premier Division preview: All to play for with league leaders in cup action

With league leaders Hyde United in FA Cup action, second-placed Matlock Town welcome Nantwich Town to the Proctor Cars Stadium.

The Gladiators are coming off the back of two 1-0 victories in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division, and extending that run to three would see them climb to the top of the table.

Manager Craig Elliot says that, despite the visitors’ league position, his side should try not to underestimate their opponents.

He said “You can never take teams for granted, Lancaster have been struggling but still made it hard for us in the last fifteen minutes on Saturday.

“We have to approach all of our games and respect the opponents for this is a very tough league”

Elsewhere, Guiseley will host Warrington Rylands at Nethermoor.

Rylands remain undefeated in their last three league games, netting nine goals in total. Guiseley sit 13th in the league, and a win on Saturday would see Danny Ellis’ side join the Blues on 17 points.

Meanwhile, Atherton Collieries take on Ashton United at the Skuna Stadium.

The Robins are one of three sides currently on 17 points in the league, and a win on the road could see them enter the top three, depending on the results of other games.

FC United of Manchester are in fine form on the league front at the moment, having won their last three games in the division.

They welcome Marine to Broadhurst Park, with the visitors knowing a win would see the two sides go level on 16 points, with an equal number of games played.

Elsewhere, Warrington Town take on in-formRadcliffe at Cantilever Park.

The Yellows need three points from the game if they want to resurrect their current form. Alternatively, a win for Boro could see them jump to the top of the table if other results go their way.

Meanwhile, towards the bottom of the league, Belper Town make the trip to Giant Axe to face Lancaster City.

The two sides, level on seven points in the table, have struggled to get going this season, although the Dolly Blues have two games in hand over Saturday’s visitors.

At Marston Road, Stafford Rangers will look to return to winning ways as they host struggling Liversedge.

Rangers have only picked up five points from their last six matches in the league, despite sitting in fifth - two points off top spot.

And finally, a rough patch could continue for Stalybridge Celtic as they face Morpeth Town.

The Celts have lost their last three consecutive league games and will be desperate for all three points on Saturday in a bid to curtail their recent slump in form.

Fixtures- Saturday 1 October

Atherton Collieries v Ashton United
FC United of Manchester v Marine
Guiseley v Warrington Rylands
Lancaster City v Belper Town
Matlock Town v Nantwich Town
Stafford Rangers v Liversedge
Stalybridge Celtic v Morpeth Town
Warrington Town v Radcliffe

Photo credit: Matlock Town / Michael South Photography