West Preview: Colls and Linnetts look to bounce back

The top two were held by Prescot Cables and Mossley on Saturday, giving Radcliffe the chance to close the gap to the top.

Collieries host seventh-placed Colne, while Linnets – who have scored 12 goals in their last five games – travel to Hollinwood Road to take on Kidsgrove Athletic.

In the chasing pack, Radcliffe host a Droylsden side who have just one loss in their last five, Leek Town take on Trafford and in-form Ramsbottom host mid-table Widnes.

Prior to the game, Radcliffe striker Aaron Burns admitted that they need to pick up maximum points ahead of some potentially season-defining games.

“Obviously we know the upcoming fixtures but it’s all about picking up three points next week,” he told the Radcliffe Report. “If we don’t do that, the games against Atherton and Runcorn aren’t as big as they potentially could be.”

Prescot have the chance to close the four-point gap to sixth-placed Mossley when they visit Seel Park, while Colwyn Bay head to a Newcastle Town side that have picked up 19 of their 31 points at home.

Elsewhere, there are some interesting games in the lower reaches of the table, with bottom of the league Skelmersdale United hosting 18th-placed Glossop North End, while Kendal Town welcome Market Drayton to Parkside Road.

The final game of the round sees Clitheroe coming up against Chasetown, with just seven points separating the Blues and the relegation spots.

Words by James Messenger