Premier Division Preview: Table-topping clashes and relegation six-pointers

There are currently only three points between the two sides, and with Hyde United also breathing down the necks of the two top-five contenders, both sides will be keen to retain their places.

The Yellows are hoping to extend their club record 18-match unbeaten league run, while Gainsborough will look to return to winning ways after drawing against Atherton Collieries last time out.

Meanwhile, third-placed Bamber Bridge welcome league leaders South Shields to the Sir Tom Finney Stadium in another huge game at the top.

The Brig have won their last three games, while South Shields are hoping for a return to winning ways after a goalless draw against Radcliffe last weekend. In fact, Kevin Phillips’ Mariners have only won one of their last five matches.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Radcliffe host Stafford Rangers.

With four of the top five playing each other, it could be a chance for Bobby Grant's men to consolidate their place in the play-offs.

The Boro are unbeaten in four games, winning two. Meanwhile, Rangers are unbeaten in two, having also drawn three of their last four games. Their last win came against Stalybridge Celtic in February.

Hyde United will also be aiming to break back into the play-off positions, as they host Whitby Town.

The Tigers have recently fallen out of the top five, having lost their last three league matches. Whitby will also be hoping to end their own two-match winless run.

Marine could also narrow the gap to the play-offs, as they welcome Nantwich Town to the Marine Travel Arena.

The Mariners come into the match hoping to build on last week’s victory at Whitby Town. They have won three of their last six matches, losing the other three.

Meanwhile, the Dabbers will be hoping to get back on track following defeat at Bamber Bridge last time out. Paul Carden's side had won their last two prior to that as they look to get out of relegation trouble.

At the bottom of the table, there is a potentially big match between Marske United and Stalybridge Celtic.

Both sides are either side of the drop zone, and separated by just goal difference- although the Seasiders do have a game in hand.
The Celts have only won one of their last 11 matches, and will be keen to put some distance between themselves and the bottom four.

Marske won last time out against Warrington Rylands, and will be hoping to build on that. They have won four of their last 10 games.

Liversedge will also be hoping to close the gap when they host eighth-placed Matlock Town. Sedge still have as many as two games in hand on those around them.

They won 4-0 last time out against Atherton Collieries, which ended a three-match winless run.

The Gladiators have only won two of their last 10 games, but they are coming in off the back of a free week, so could be more rested.

Belper Town will also hope to keep their survival hopes in their own hands, as they face an Atherton Collieries side not quite out of danger themselves.

The Nailers beat Guiseley last time out, for their first win in seven matches. As for Colls, they are looking to end their three-match winless run.

Morpeth Town will also be hoping to put a bit of distance between themselves and the bottom four, as they host FC United of Manchester.

The Highwaymen will be keen to bounce back from their 4-0 defeat to Warrington Town in midweek - a result which ended a two-match unbeaten run.

In contrast, FC United have won two of their last three matches, including a 2-1 victory over league leaders South Shields.

Elsewhere, Ashton United will hope to extend their four-match unbeaten run when they host a Guiseley side who have won only one of their last seven matches.

Lastly, Warrington Rylands host Lancaster City in a battle of two contrasting sides. The Dolly Blues have won five of their last six, while Rylands have only won one of their last eight.

Fixtures - Saturday 1 April

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