Premier Division preview: Warrington derby takes centre stage

4 Oct 2022 By James Gordon

Northern Premier League - Premier news

Warrington Town will meet local rivals Warrington Rylands competitively for the first time since 1978 on Tuesday night.

The Northern Premier League fixture is set to take place in front of a packed Cantilever Park crowd, with Rylands aiming to climb into the play-offs and extend their unbeaten run in the league to five matches.

Speaking ahead of the match, Rylands caretaker boss Jody Banim said: “We’re really excited and we’re looking forward to it.

“It’s a massive occasion for the town and hopefully people come out and support it.

“I think it’s nearly 50 years since the teams last played each other, and it’s great for Warrington to have two teams playing at this level.

“It’s another opportunity for us to go and get three points, so we’ll go there and be positive.”

Yellows boss Mark Beesley, meanwhile, has praised the qualities of their near neighbours and called on his squad to “enjoy the occasion”.

In Tuesday’s other fixtures, South Shields will look to climb back to the NPL summit with three points away at FC United of Manchester.

The Mariners boast the only remaining unbeaten record in the division, but that will be given the sternest of tests as FC United look to climb as high as third with a victory of their own.

Elsewhere, Morpeth Town, who currently sit in the play-off places, host Bamber Bridge.

Radcliffe will look to return to winning ways following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Warrington Town as they lock horns with Stalybridge Celtic, who have failed to score in each of their last three league matches.

And at Hurst Cross, Ashton United will look to end their three-match winless run against a Whitby Town side that have enjoyed a mini-resurgence of late, despite sitting bottom of the division.

Tuesday's only other fixture between Marske United and Lancaster City has been postponed due to floodlight issues.

Fixtures - Tuesday 4 October

Ashton United v Whitby Town
FC United of Manchester v South Shields
Marske United P-P Lancaster City
Morpeth Town v Bamber Bridge
Radcliffe v Stalybridge Celtic
Warrington Town v Warrington Rylands

Photo credit: Warrington Town

Where next?

Michael Potts makes FC United return FC United of Manchester have confirmed the return of experienced midfielder Michael Potts.

Brewers bring in trio of new signings Tadcaster Albion have announced the triple-signing of midfielder Lewis Hey and forwards Eddy Prata and Roy Fogarty.