Premier Preview: Huge clash at the top

South Shields’ 100% home record faces a stern test against league leaders Farsley Celtic, with both sides locked on 53 points and having scored 54 goals and conceded 28 goals each, though Farsley have played a game less.

The Mariners have quietly reeled in the top sides to join the title race, with just one point currently separating the top four sides.

Farsley are unbeaten in their last 15 league games and have lost just once in their last 23 games in all competitions.

Their manager, Adam Lakeland, said: “We’ll be full of confidence heading into this game but so will they, they’re on a good run as well.

“They have a very good home record, we played them twice away last season which were two very difficult but close, competitive games.”

Such is the anticipation building up to this game, it has been selected as the live commentary game on Live Sports FM.

Waiting to capitalise on any dropped points are Nantwich Town, who face a tricky trip to Buxton.

The Dabbers weren’t in action last weekend and currently sit third on 53 points.

Warrington Town will also have one eye on the South Shields clash, as they look to complete a league double over Lancaster City at Cantilever Park, having seen their nine match unbeaten run ended at Scarborough last week.

Scarborough will still have title aspirations, though their poor form before and around Christmas has left them with a bit to do.

Nothing less than a win will do for their visit to Matlock Town, with the Gladiators desperately searching for their first goal of 2019 having started the year with three successive defeats, their last win coming over Stafford Rangers before Christmas.

Gainsborough will be hoping the Seadogs drop points to enable them to close the gap on the play-off places, as they travel to lowly Mickleover Sports.

17th placed Marine are one of the form teams in the division, having won four of their last five, and they’ll be hoping to add more distance between them and the relegation zone when they welcome Stalybridge Celtic to the Marine Travel Arena.

One team that has managed to move away from danger is Grantham Town, though they will be cautious of undoing their good work at home to Stafford, who currently sit in the bottom three, seven points behind their opponents on Saturday.

Gingerbreads boss Richard Thomas said: "If we put in performances like we did last week I think we can beat anyone in this league.

"I think this season we have shown some inconsistency especially against teams where would expect to pick up results.

"Stafford will make it difficult it for us they want to stay up just like we want to keep moving up the table.

"It has the recipe for an exciting game and I know my players are up for it and want to build on a very positive result for us last week."

Workington haven’t yet been written off, but they need to start winning and quick, as they look to put the Gavin Skelton disappointment behind them. Their home game with Bamber Bridge very much looks like a must win.

With off-field discussions grabbing most of the headlines, North Ferriby United return to action with a trip to Whitby Town, some 17 points adrift of safety and their Premier Division future looks very bleak, while Whitby will be hoping to consolidate their mid-table position.

Basford’s play-off hopes have been hit considerably by a run of six defeats in seven games, and they start a run of three consecutive away games at Hednesford Town.

The Pitmen are just three points above the danger zone and are desperate for a win, having managed just one in their last eight.

Basford boss Martin Carruthers said: “We have learnt very quickly in this league that there are no easy games and it is another huge test for us on Saturday.

“We are both on a poor run of form, but despite this the mood in the camp is very good and we want to improve our away form as soon as possible.

“There is no reason why we can’t win all the away games and that will be our mentality in the next week. We will be positive with an attacking aggressive side and go and try to win the game.

“It’s the only way to get the season back on track and get confidence and momentum in full flow for the final third of the season.”

Elsewhere, Hyde United host Witton Albion.