Premier preview: Whitby approach play-offs

The Blues have been named as the BetVictor Northern Premier Division club of the month for February, and are in fine-form.

In February, the side claimed 16 points out of a possible 18, with five wins and a draw.

They travel to Stafford Rangers, who remain at the bottom of the table.

"We travel to Stafford on Saturday and having had a proper ding-dong battle with them a few weeks ago when we beat them 2-1 at home," manager Chris Hardy wrote in his column for the Whitby Gazette.

"We know it won’t be an easy game by any stretch.

"I’m hopeful Fewster and Blackett will both be available, and we hope to have Patton available for what would be his last game before he has an operation that will see him miss the rest of the season.

"Evan Horwood also missed Tuesday night, but returns to the squad for the Stafford match."

At the top of the table, South Shields recently announced the signing of youngster Bali Mumba on loan from Sunderland, while Blair Adams has signed a new deal that lasts until 2022 summer.

The Mariners travel to Bamber Bridge, who recently progressed to the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy final.

In second spot, Basford United host Buxton, who sit 17th in the table.

Kane Richards recently agreed to a new deal with Basford, impressing in his first season under Steve Chettle.

Elsewhere in the play-offs, third placed FC United of Manchester travel to Mickleover Sports, while Lancaster City host Gainsborough Trinity.

Nantwich Town recently added goalkeeper Cameron Gregor on loan from Shrewsbury Town, and they face Radcliffe, who have also been busy with the signing of Jo Cummings from Scunthorpe United.

Alex Byrne impressed on his Matlock Town debut, joining from Buxton, as the Gladiators drew 1-1 with Morpeth Town.

This weekend, Paul Phillips’ side travel to Hyde United.

Just outside of the play-offs, Warrington Town now have more draws than wins following their mid-week 1-1 result against Ashton United, and they travel to Bower Fold to face Stalybridge Celtic.

The Robins host Scarborough Athletic, who have lost just once in their last five league fixtures.

Atherton Collieries, who said goodbye to midfielder Kris Holt this week, host Grantham Town, while Witton Albion travel to Morpeth Town.