Premier Preview: Tight margins at top

Table toppers South Shields return to league action following their 4-0 victory in the FA Trophy over AFC Rushden and Diamonds, with goals from Jason Gilchrist (2), Adam Thurston and Lee Mason.

They travel to Marston Road Stadium to face Stafford Rangers in a clash of first versus last in the BetVictor table. The hosts have won just once in their last five fixtures in all competitions, including a 2-1 loss to Sutton Coldfield Town in the FA Trophy first qualifying round.

Just behind in second-place, Lancaster City had the chance to take the top spot following the Mariners involvement in the cup, but were held to a 2-2 draw at Hyde United as Liam Tongue scored in the 90th minute for the Tigers.

Most recently, Mark Fell’s were held to another 2-2 draw against Stourbridge in the FA Trophy second qualifying round, this time Jack Armer scoring the equaliser in the 75th minute for Lancaster.

They travel to Flamingo Land Stadium to face Scarborough Athletic, who recently suffered a 3-1 defeat to Radcliffe.

Basford United in third place host Whitby Town, who recently agreed to extend the loan of Jake Hackett from Sunderland until January 4 2020.

The hosts have won their last three fixtures with the exact same scoreline - 3-1 against Atherton Collieries, Stafford Rangers and FC United of Manchester.

Warrington Town, who are only four-points away from South Shields, travel to Ashton United with the two teams recently meeting in the FA Trophy and Jody Banim’s side progressing with a 1-0 scoreline.

Paul Carden’s side have two wins in their last three league fixtures, whilst Ashton United sit 17th in the table.

Talking about their recent form, Carden told the Warrington Guardian: “We’ve just played the bottom side and that was very tough,” referencing Saturday’s 2-1 win over Stafford Rangers.
“Ashton was obviously a disappointing one when we played them in the Trophy and Mickleover away is never easy, neither is Nantwich.
“It’s a worn-out saying but there are no easy games in this league.
“It doesn’t really matter when these runs of games come because they are all tough.”
Elsewhere, FC United have nicely climbed the table and sit fifth in the table with 22 points with three wins and a draw in their last five league fixtures. The club also recently announced that Alex Curran extended his loan stay from Stockport.

They travel to Witton Albion, who sit just below them in sixth spot and a recent 4-1 victory over Mickleover Sports.

Radcliffe, who have jumped to 12th place with recent victories, travel to Mickleover Sports with just one point separating the sides on the table.

The hosts in Mickleover recently announced the signing of Andrew Wright from Grantham, where he scored one goal in six appearances.

Gainsborough Trinity were recently involved on the right side of a eight-goal thriller against Tamworth in the FA Trophy, inspired by new manager Curtis Woodhouse.

“I like to play fast, flowing attacking football,”he told the Gainsborough Standard.

“You can’t always do that and win 1-0. If you like goals and end to end stuff, come and watch.

“We were outstanding and played some outstanding football.

“We shifted the ball through the thirds and moved it with real pace, opening them [Tamworth] up numerous times. It was very pleasant.”

Off the back of their 2-2 draw, Hyde United host Bamber Bridge in a battle of fourteenth vs eighteenth.

Grantham recently announced the double signings of Kieran Wells and Brad MacGowan, and they travel to Nantwich Town who were recently knocked out of the FA Trophy by Coalville Town.

Atherton Collieries host Buxton, whilst Stalybridge Celtic travel to Matlock Town

Keep an eye on social media for pitch inspections and game news this weekend.