Premier Division Preview: Tough tests for new manager duo, third and fourth face-off

Matlock Town, who recently appointed new manager Paul Elliot, will welcome Warrington Rylands, who find themselves in a similar situation, replacing the outgoing Dave McNabb with caretaker manager Jody Banim.

Both the Gladiators and Rylands will be looking to get back to winning ways after falling to defeats on the road last time out.

A 90th minute free-kick from FC United’s Callum Gribbin condemned Matlock to a 2-1 loss but Elliot has seen some encouraging signs from the squad he has inherited from Paul Phillips.

“There were lots of positives to take from tonight,” he said. “I think, as a squad, we can get fitter to do what I want them to do.

“I know exactly what type of players we need to make us better. You can clearly see we just need a bit more legs and pace in the team.”

Elsewhere, Belper Town find themselves in the basement of the league after winning just one of their opening eight fixtures.

They welcome Ashton United to Christchurch Meadow who will be looking to bounce back into the top five following their 3-1 defeat away to Morpeth Town in mid-week.

It proves to be an intriguing encounter this weekend between third and fourth place as Radcliffe travel to Stafford Rangers

Despite their high-flying start to the season, Stafford have claimed just one point from their previous three fixtures, whereas Radcliffe are currently on a three-game winning streak.

Finally, Nantwich Town travel to Manchester to take on Stalybridge Celtic, in a game where a win would ease the worries of the Dabbers who have taken six points from eight games so far this season.

Fixtures - Saturday 17 September

Belper Town v Ashton United
Matlock Town v Warrington Rylands
Stafford Rangers v Radcliffe
Stalybridge Celtic v Nantwich Town