Premier Division preview: Things heating up at both ends of table

FC United of Manchester will look to extend their lead at the top when they welcome Lancaster City to Broadhurst Park.

Following their recent defeat to Guiseley, Neil Reynolds’ side will be keen to bounce back against a Dolly Blues side with just one win in their last seven league matches.

Meanwhile, Warrington Town will be keen to down second-placed Matlock Town when the two teams meet at Cantilever Park.

The Yellows have a game in hand on the Gladiators, and should they win a third straight match - something they have failed to achieve in two years - they could jump as high as second in the table.

Atherton Collieries welcome high-flying Morpeth Town to the Skuna Stadium.

Colls have drawn their last three Northern Premier League matches and will go in search of a first win since the beginning of October.

In the north-east, South Shields will look to edge closer to the summit of the division as they welcome Warrington Rylands to the 1st Cloud Arena.

The Mariners are yet to lose a game at home all season, while Jody Banim’s Blues are without a win in their last six league games.

Gainsborough Trinity will try to extend their seven-game unbeaten streak in the league, but it won’t be an easy task as they welcome Bamber Bridge to the Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

Trinity have a game in hand on the Brig, with the two teams separated by just one point and three places in the table.

At the Neuven Stadium, Radcliffe will look to return to winning ways against Ashton United.

Bobby Grant’s side currently sit seventh, and a win against the Robins could see them move to within one point of top spot.

In the round’s other matches, Stafford Rangers will make the trip to Guiseley, who have won back-to-back league matches, including a 2-1 triumph over current league leaders FC United.

Marine, meanwhile, will host bottom-of-the-league Belper Town at Rossett Park.

The Nailers have only won one game on their travels in 2022/23, and they face a Lilywhites side that has lost just once at home this season.

Following the departure of Carl Jarrett, managerless Marske United visit Ewen Fields for their match against Hyde United.

Before The Tigers’ recent 1-0 loss to Bamber Bridge, they had won four consecutive league games and will be keen to taste three points once more on Saturday.

Lower down the division, Whitby Town welcome Stalybridge Celtic to the Turnbull Ground.

The Celts have struggled to find form of late and are yet to win a league game since the beginning of September.

And finally, Liversedge travel to Nantwich Town.

Both sides are level on 10 points, and a win for either side could push them out of the relegation zone, depending on other results.

Fixtures - Saturday 22 October

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