Premier Preview: tight margins in league table

Lancaster’s five-game unbeaten run, consisting of four wins and a draw, will be challenged by play-off competitors Mickleover Sports at the Don Amott Arena this weekend.

Mickleover, who recently won ‘Club of the Year’ at Derby City Sports Forum, look to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to Matlock Town with just four points in their last three league fixtures.

The Dolly Blues sit third in the league table, on joint-points with Basford United just a place above, and a victory could see them slowly chase table toppers South Shields in the BetVictor Premier Division.

Also making their way up the table is Warrington Town, who are now fourth in the league and with a game in hand over the teams above.

The Yellows have claimed seven points from their last three fixtures, most recently a 2-1 victory over Matlock Town thanks to second-half goals from Ben Garrity and Jack Mackreth.

Paul Carden’s side host Staybridge Celtic, who suffered a midweek 3-0 defeat to Stafford Rangers.

"It's amazing what a week can do in football,” Carden told the club’s official website.

“Three games and three good results and the performances have been good as well.

“We spoke about obviously being disappointed to conceded late on against Lancaster, but then I was pleased at how we played with a man down for the majority of the game.

“We've played some good football and showed resilience. We're confident at the minute which is good and what we need to be.”

At the top of the table, South Shields host Grantham Town after suffering just their second loss of the season away to Witton Albion with a 3-1 scoreline.

The Mariners, who recently announced the extended loan of defender Jordan Hunter from Sunderland, still have a strong lead in the table, seven points above Basford,

Grantham Town recently drew 2-2 with Hyde United and a win could see them jump a few places from their 12th position.

Ahead of their away trip to the north east, joint manager Russ Cousins told the club’s official website: “I think the pressure is definitely on them more than us this weekend.

“They’re flying high at the top of the league and will be expected to get another win.

“We won’t roll over for them though and we showed last season that we could beat them so why not believe we can go and do it again?"

At the bottom end of the table, Buxton will host Witton Albion as they still search for their second win of the season.

In a strange turn of events, the Bucks were on the right and the wrong end of a massive 7-0 scoreline, claiming the impressive win over Grantham until suffering the same scoreline to FC United of Manchester in the same week.

Radcliffe host Matlock Town, and Jon Macken’s side have two wins in their last three games and have improved their league position to 16th.

Ashton United host Gainsborough Trinity at Hurst Cross, Atherton Collieries host FC United and Bamber Bridge host Scarborough.

Second-place Basford were in the headlines during the week, including a cameo on BBC Sport, for Stefan Galinski’s bizarre goal with a header inside his own half against FC United. The video went viral for a goal the defender and the league will never forget.

Steve Chettle’s side host Stafford Rangers, whilst Hyde United host Morpeth Town.