Premier Division preview: Top two showdown as Matlock host Buxton

The highlight of the round sees Matlock Town welcome league leaders and local rivals Buxton to the Proctors Cars Stadium.

The Gladiators will be looking to bounce back on home soil following their FA Trophy third round defeat to York City, while the Bucks will also have a point to prove after seeing their three-game unbeaten run in the league come to a surprising halt against play-off chasing FC United of Manchester last time out.

Previewing the game, Matlock boss Paul Phillips - formerly in the Buxton dugout before making the switch in January 2020 - said: "We'll be treating it like any other game, one we want to win, a three-point game.

“We know we'll go back to the top if we win, and if the result goes the other way Buxton will have a five points lead.

“Of course it's a local derby which gives it extra spice, but the be all and end all is that we're playing for three points and the result won't make or break our season.”

Elsewhere, in the race to solidify a play-off spot, third-placed Bamber Bridge will look to end their two-game losing run as they take on Lancaster City, while South Shields travel to the Turnbull Ground to face Whitby Town, who could climb up to third with victory.

Having seen their 10-match unbeaten run in the league ended by Scarborough Athletic last weekend, Warrington Town visit Witton Albion, who have not taken to the field since a 4-1 home defeat to Bamber Bridge over a month ago.

Following back-to-back victories and clean sheets in the league, Scarborough will look to close the ground to the play-offs when they entertain Morpeth Town at the Athletic Ground.

Meanwhile, FC United of Manchester take on Ashton United, who are perched perilously above the relegation zone thanks to a run of just six wins in their opening 20 league matches.

Nantwich Town will be keen to end their eight-game winless run in the league when they travel to mid-table Stafford Rangers, who have won two of their last three Northern Premier League matches.

Further down the division, Mickleover and Basford United will do battle at the Don Amott Arena, while Radcliffe will hope to leapfrog Atherton Collieries when the pair face off in Greater Manchester.

Stalybridge Celtic go in search of their first league victory since October as they host Hyde United, who haven’t lost since November 13.

And in the final game of the round, Grantham Town, the division’s basement side, host Gainsborough Trinity as they look to edge closer to safety.