Premier Division preview: Key battles aplenty as fight for top spot intensifies

Current league leaders FC United of Manchester make the trip to Mount Pleasant to face Marske United.

The Seasiders, who welcomed back head coach Ian Clark earlier this week after a brief spell at Shildon, have three games in hand on a high-flying FC United side that currently sits top of the table on 23 points.

Neil Reynolds’ men are unbeaten in their last six league games, having won five and drawn one.

There is another six-pointer at the top as second-placed Stafford Rangers visit Morpeth Town.

The two teams are in similar form ahead of the game, with a two-point difference between them in the league table.

A win for the Highwaymen would see them leapfrog Rangers and climb as high as second.

Elsewhere, Warrington Rylands welcome Matlock Town to Gorsey Lane.

Both teams will be eager for a win, having suffered defeats last time out.

Rylands’ near neighbours Warrington Town make a first-ever trip to Liversedge’s Clayborn Ground this weekend.

The Yellows suffered another defeat in midweek against Gainsborough Trinity, whereas Sedge have turned their recent form around with back-to-back wins.

At Hurst Cross, Ashton United will lock horns with Stalybridge Celtic.

Both sides have been struggling of late, with the Celts having lost their last six matches in the Northern Premier League.

As for the Robins, they sit 12th and will look to make the host of home advantage as they go in search of a sixth league win of the season.

Bamber Bridge have turned their form around after a poor start to the season, and they host Nantwich Town at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

The Dabbers, who currently sit fourth-bottom in the division, have failed to win a league game since mid-September.

Elsewhere, Belper Town face-off against mid-table Guiseley.

The two sides have been held to back-to-back 1-1 draws in their most recent league fixtures, making Saturday’s clash all the more important.

Elsewhere, following their midweek victory at Warrington Town, Gainsborough Trinity will welcome Atherton Collieries to Northolme.

Trinity have been unbeaten in the league since their defeat to Lancaster City towards the end of August, and they will look to extend that streak further on Saturday afternoon.

In the final game of the round, bottom side Whitby Town make the trip to Rossett Park to face off against Marine.

Despite their league position, Nathan Haslam’s men have picked up seven points from a possible nine in the league and could climb out of the bottom four with a victory, depending on the outcome of other matches.

Fixtures- Saturday 15th October

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

Photo credit: Ben Roberts