West Preview: Relentless Radcliffe hunt top spot

The Boro are on a fine recent run, unbeaten in eight and winning their last five in a row, which has them just two points behind leaders Runcorn Linnets with two games in hand.

Their form is in stark contrast to opponents Clitheroe, who have lost four in a row and have tumbled to 16th in the table.

Boss Jon Macken told the Bury Times: "The team is playing very well at the moment I think it's down to having a much better squad this season, and you can tell by the quality, not just on the pitch, but the increasing number of fans we're bringing to the games."

"We're playing much better football which results in bringing more fans in, which also benefits the lads greatly through their support."

"Obviously we needed to add 16 to 18 quality players to the team, and we have done that. We know now, when we need players to step in, we have options in all positions who can do a great job."

"Strength in depth is something that has been dramatically improved since last year, the competition to wear the shirt means all the players are fighting for their place in the team, and that is something every manager wants to have."

Leaders Runcorn travel to Chasetown, one of two teams in the division yet to win a home league game all season.

Chasetown have managed five draws from their nine home games though, while the Linnets are one of two teams yet to draw on their travels.

The other team without a win at home are Skelmerdale United, who host fellow strugglers Kendal Town in the proverbial six-pointer.

Kendal will be desperate to provide some hope to their fans after a worrying few weeks, though fears over the club’s future appear to have been eased by chairman George Gudgeon.

With three games falling victim to the weather last Saturday, there could be more postponements this weekend, and there is already a pitch inspection planned at Surrey Street, which is due to host Glossop North End against Prescot Cables.

Two of the sides affected by last weekend’s weather are due to meet at the Four Crosses Construction Arena as Colwyn Bay host Atherton Collieries.

Atherton’s home game with Newcastle Town was postponed earlier in the day, while Colwyn Bay managed quarter of an hour at Leek Town before it was abandoned.

It means another second debut for the recently re-signed Astley Mulholland, while for Colls, James Kirby (foot), Adam Farrell (hamstring) and Josh Messer (groin) are missing through injury.

Widnes are still waiting to move back home and on to the newly re-laid artificial pitch at the Halton Stadium, and they take their home game with Mossley once again to Barnton’s Offside Trust Stadium.

That may well mean their first game back at the stadium will be the mouthwatering Halton derby against Runcorn Linnets.

Speaking of derbies, there’s one this Saturday as Newcastle Town host Market Drayton Town.

Five points separate the two in the table, though the trailing Newcastle do have a game in hand.

Kidsgrove Athletic take their remarkable away form on the road to high-flying Trafford.

Though a few games behind most due to their FA Cup exploits earlier in the season, Kidsgrove find themselves 13th in the table despite managing four wins and three draws on their travels this season so far.

Elsewhere, Droylsden host Leek Town while Ramsbottom United’s FA Trophy commitments mean their scheduled home game with Colne is off.

To view all the weekend's games, visit the EVO-STIK League fixtures page.