Premier Preview: Whitby continue fine form

Last weekend, the Blues defeated Lancaster City at the Giant Axe thanks to goals from Matthew Tymon (2) and Callum Patton.

Chris Hardy’s side host Ashton United this weekend, who recently defeated Witton Albion 3-1.

“With these wins we have really positioned ourselves nicely to have a real go at getting into the play-off positions come the end of the season,” Hardy wrote in his column for the Whitby Gazette.

“What impresses me about this group of players is not only their footballing ability - but their mental strength and willingness to get stuck in and battle to take the three points.

“I think that is what separates this group from the side I had when we narrowly missed out a few seasons ago.

“We had a good side and were hovering around the play-off positions all season before falling away.

“I think the mentality of this group is exceptional and hopefully that will help us out in achieving a play-off berth.

“That said, we have a lot of games to cram in in a short time - so it will be a big test for the group - but the main thing is we’ve given ourselves a chance of pushing the sides above us.”

At the top of the table by two points, South Shields travel to Gainsborough Trinity, who sit 16th in the table.

Just below the Mariners, Basford United have lost just once in their last nine league fixtures, and most recently claimed a 2-1 victory over Atherton Collieries with goals from Matt Thornhill and Nat Watson. They travel to Witton Albion, who sit 12th in the table.

Nantwich Town will be looking to bounce back to winning ways following their narrow defeat to FC United, and they host Mickleover Sports.

Play-off hopefuls Warrington Town, who sit behind Nantwich by just one point, travel to Broadhurst Park to face third-placed FC United of Manchester.

Scarborough Athletic, who felt ‘unlucky’ not to get anything from their trip to Cantilever Park the week previous thanks to a man of the match performance from Warrington’s goalkeeper and debutant Bobby Jones, are still in the race for play-offs and host Radcliffe.

At the foot of the table, Stafford Rangers are now six points behind next best Atherton Collieries, and they will be hoping to claim a victory when they travel to Buxton.

Atherton host Matlock Town, who sit three places above their opponents.

Grantham Town face Stalybridge Celtic, while Bamber Bridge play to Morpeth Town.

Finally, Lancaster City will be looking to get back to winning ways as they travel to Hyde United.