NPL preview | New Year’s Day

League leaders Macclesfield will be looking to get back to winning ways after a draw and a defeat in their last two games. 

They’re on their travels, as they head to the Project Solar Stadium to take on a Hyde United side who they drew against in August.

Nicky Spooner’s side will be hoping the new year can bring about a change in fortunes on the pitch after a winless December.

Their nearest rivals Guiseley are at home on New Year's Day, as they look to continue their 13-game unbeaten run against Bamber Bridge.

The Lions will also be searching for a league double over the Brig after a 3-2 comeback win at the SFC Stadium earlier this season.

Worksop Town, buoyed by their win on Saturday, are in action at home against Gainsborough Trinity.

The Holy Blues have cooled off a little form-wise after winning five matches in a row, falling to consecutive defeats without scoring over the festive period. 

Worksop, meanwhile, will be searching for consecutive league wins for the first time since mid-September as they look to strengthen their play-off position. 

Ilkeston Town are now the only side in the division to have avoided defeat at home this season. 

They put their solid home run on the line when they welcome Basford United to the New Manor Ground. 

Basford are on a run of five straight defeats which has seen them fall into the relegation zone, and new manager Luke Potter will be looking to pick up his first points as Basford boss.

Ashton United, the final side occupying a play-off place going into the new year, are at home against FC United of Manchester.

The Robins got the better of their Greater Manchester neighbours in the reverse fixture back in August, but Mark Beesley’s side come into this one with some momentum, having put four past Prescot Cables on Boxing Day.

Outside of the current top two, Matlock Town hold the best form in the league over the last 10 games. 

They travel to Harrison Park to take on Leek Town, who have won two on the bounce - including an impressive victory over table-toppers Macclesfield last time out. The Blues will be looking to pick up a third home win of the season, which would see them draw level on points with their opponents.

Ryan Cresswell’s Gladiators will have eyes on a place in the top 10, if they can secure a fifth win in six matches.

In the day's other games, Blyth Spartans will go in search of a first win since September 18 when they travel to Morpeth Town.

The Highwaymen have picked up only one win in six after a four-game winning run. They’ll be looking to ignite a similar vein of form against the league’s basement club.

Mickleover will be searching for their first points since inflicting defeat on Macclesfield when they travel to the Giant Axe to take on Lancaster City.

Nothing could separate the two sides in August as they played out a goalless stalemate.

Elsewhere, Hebburn Town will have eyes on a play-off spot with a win, as they welcome Workington to the Hebburn Sports Ground.

Both sides drew on Boxing Day and will be hoping to turn one point into three on New Year's Day.

Stockton Town’s draw against Hebburn last Thursday means they have won just one of their last seven games. 

Whitby Town are their first opponents of 2025, and they’ll be keen to avenge the 2-0 defeat at Bishopton Road earlier this season.

Finally, Prescot Cables will look to bounce back from their 4-0 Boxing Day defeat to FC United as they host an in-form Warrington Rylands.

The visitors have been solid away from home this season, losing just two of their 10 games on the road.

In contrast, Cables are in need of a first win since October as they look to avoid dropping into the bottom four.

All games are set to kick off at 3pm, unless otherwise stated.

Fixtures - Wednesday 1 January

• Morpeth Town vs Blyth Spartans (1pm)
• Ashton United vs FC United of Manchester
• Guiseley vs Bamber Bridge
• Hebburn Town vs Workington
• Hyde United vs Macclesfield
• Ilkeston Town vs Basford United
• Lancaster City vs Mickleover
• Leek Town vs Matlock Town
• Prescot Cables vs Warrington Rylands
• Whitby Town vs Stockton Town
• Worksop Town vs Gainsborough Trinity

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