Premier Preview: Two huge clashes at the top of the table

Matlock Town, who currently hold a five-point lead at the summit, welcome Bamber Bridge to the Proctor Cars Stadium.

The Gladiators have won three and drawn one of their last five matches in the league, while Saturday’s visitors come into the clash off the back of a goalless draw against FC United of Manchester.

Speaking ahead of the match, Matlock boss Paul Phillips told the club’s official website: “There’s going to be a lot of twists and turns yet.

“Buxton go to Morpeth, which will be a difficult game, while South Shields are at Warrington, so teams are going to drop points.

“As I’ve always said, we need to take care of our own business.”

Away from the top-of-the-table showdown, two fellow promotion hopefuls will also do battle at Cantilever Park.

New South Shields boss Kevin Phillips, who replaced Graham Fenton following last weekend’s 2-0 victory at home to Radcliffe, takes charge of the team for the first time away at fellow high-flyers Warrington Town.

Just three points separate the sides in the table, and a victory by three goals or more would see Mark Beesley’s Yellows leapfrog their rivals.

“It’s been busy and hectic [but] I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and it’s great to be back at a football club, getting that buzz again.” Phillips told the Mariners’ official YouTube channel.

“The challenge is there straight away to get out of this league, it’s as simple as that.

“We are potentially more of a scalp now, people will want to beat us. We have to deal with that as players.”

Meanwhile, Buxton will make the notoriously difficult trip to Morpeth Town this weekend.

Bucks, who came from behind three times to earn a thrilling point against Warrington Town last Saturday, could climb as high as second if other results go their way.

Elsewhere, in-form Scarborough Athletic will look to further build their momentum with a home clash against bottom side Grantham Town.

The Seadogs have lost just one of their last eight league matches and could climb into the play-off places with three more points at home this weekend.

Whitby Town will look to end their run of three successive defeats away at Hyde United, while FC United of Manchester welcome Stalybridge Celtic to Broadhurst Park.

With three draws from their last four league games, Stafford Rangers will hope to secure a precious three points away at Atherton Collieries.

Mark Fell’s Lancaster City visit struggling Ashton United, and Basford United, who have lost both matches since appointing a new managerial trio, host relegation-threatened Nantwich Town.

Further down the division, Gainsborough Trinity will look to leapfrog Radcliffe when the two teams do battle at Stainton Park.

And in the final game of the round, a potentially decisive battle at the bottom takes place as Mickleover host Witton Albion.