NPL preview | Saturday 19 October

Worksop returned to winning ways last time out away at Ashton United. However, the schedule for Craig Parry’s side doesn’t get any easier as they welcome Hebburn to Sandy Lane.

Hebburn have seen a slight dip in form recently, losing their last three league games, including a heavy 4-1 defeat to league leaders Macclesfield on Tuesday night.

The Tigers can open up an eight point gap to the visitors this weekend, as they aim to hone in on top spot and move clear of the chasing pack.

Macclesfield moved four points clear at the top thanks to Tuesday's win, and they will look to remain unbeaten in the league this weekend when they host Warrington Rylands.

The visitors lifted themselves off the foot of the table on Tuesday night by picking up just their second win of the season away at Leek Town, but they face a tough task if they are to secure a second successive three points on the road.

The early-season play-off race is as tight as ever, with the five teams behind fifth-placed Ashton United all on 19 points.

Ilkeston Town, who sit atop the 19-point pile, host fourth-placed Guiseley, who leapfrogged Ashton thanks to a late 1-1 draw at Lancaster City in midweek.

The Lions have only won one of their last four league matches, but have also been preoccupied with cup progression. Nevertheless, they’ll be eager to avoid defeat and remain in the top five.

FC United of Manchester will be aiming to pick up their third league win of the season when they travel to Bamber Bridge.

The Brig lost 5-1 at the SFC Stadium in midweek against Stockton Town and have now conceded a league-high 27 goals in 13 league matches.

They’ll hope to get back on track against an FC United side who have been much improved under new manager Mark Beesley.

Stockton’s big win in midweek saw them climb to seventh, and they’ll be aiming for a third straight league win and an opportunity to move into the play-offs when they host Mickleover.

Meanwhile, Lancaster City welcome Ashton United to the Giant Axe, in another battle between two sides sitting in-and-around the top five.

The Robins have had cup successes recently, but haven’t won in their last three league games. Lancaster can leapfrog their opponents with a win.

Elsewhere, Matlock Town gained some momentum with their first league win under Ryan Cresswell last time out against high-flying Hebburn.

They return home for the first time since their 2-1 win over Workington over a month ago as they host Basford United.

At Valerie Park, Prescot Cables return to action after a 11-day lay-off when they host Morpeth Town.

Since picking up only two points in their opening five games, Ste Daley’s side have shot up the league, winning five of their subsequent seven. 

A win against 16th-placed Morpeth would take them to within touching distance of the play-off spots.

Workington will be aiming for a fifth straight win in all competitions and a third consecutive league victory when they travel to Hyde United.

And Leek Town travel to the Towbar Express Stadium to take on Whitby Town, with both sides looking to edge further clear of the bottom four. 

The other scheduled game of the round between Blyth Spartans and Gainsborough Trinity has been postponed, with a new date to be announced in due course.

Fixtures - Saturday 19 October

• Bamber Bridge vs FC United of Manchester
• Blyth Spartans P-P Gainsborough Trinity
• Hyde United vs Workington
• Ilkeston Town vs Guiseley
• Lancaster City vs Ashton United
• Macclesfield vs Warrington Rylands
• Matlock Town vs Basford United
• Prescot Cables vs Morpeth Town
• Stockton Town vs Mickleover
• Whitby Town vs Leek Town
• Worksop Town vs Hebburn Town

Check out the latest fixtures and results from across the NPL East Division, NPL Midlands Division and NPL West Division.