NPL preview | Saturday 18 January

This weekend’s featured match comes from Nethermoor, as second-placed Guiseley host Basford United.

Guiseley hold the best league record over the last 10 games, whereas just one win and five points over the same time frame leaves Basford near the bottom of the form table.

The Lions will be hoping to complete a league double over their opponents to keep pace with league leaders Macclesfield.

Robbie Savage’s Silkmen will be looking to continue their momentum after a win in one of the few games which went ahead last weekend, with a trip to Gainsborough Trinity up next.

Despite their recent successes in the FA Trophy, the Holy Blues are currently riding a rough patch in the league, with a midweek draw at FC United of Manchester extending their current winless run to five games.

Russ Wilcox’s side will be aiming to recapture their form prior to the last five games, when they won five straight.

Elsewhere, Worksop Town are looking to bounce back from their defeat at Macclesfield a fortnight ago when they travel to a Prescot Cables side who are without a win in nine.

Fourth-placed Ilkeston Town host Morpeth Town, as they aim to avoid a second straight defeat at home after their unbeaten record at the New Manor Ground was ended by Leek Town last time out.

Morpeth come into this one buoyed by a big 3-2 win in midweek against play-off-chasers Hebburn Town.

Ashton United will be looking to remain in the top-five when they welcome Whitby Town to Hurst Cross.

The Robins have suffered defeat just once in the league in their last 10 games. Another would be their fifth in six games.

Stockton Town’s win in midweek over Lancaster City has put them within touching distance of leapfrogging Ashton and climbing into the top five.

They’ll be searching for a third straight win against a Bamber Bridge side without a win in five - and who have lost their last three league games.

Towards the foot of the table, Michael Connor’s search for a first win as Blyth Spartans boss will continue when his side travels to Broadhurst Park to take on FC United of Manchester.

Another well-earned point in midweek for Mark Beesley’s side saw them climb up to 12th in the table. They’ll have eyes on a place in the top half with a win.

Mickleover will be looking for a second straight league win after their triumph over Basford United a fortnight ago, as they host Warrington Rylands.

Rylands are unbeaten in their last seven, albeit with five draws. The two also shared the points in October, playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.

In the weekend's other games, Matlock Town can pick up their sixth win in eight matches when they travel to Workington.

Mark Fell’s side have picked up just two points in the last six games and will face a tough task to avoid a third straight defeat against one of the form sides in the division.

Leek Town will be looking to build on a string of impressive performances against top sides in the division when they welcome Lancaster City to Harrison Park.

Leek still have one of the worst home records in the league, winning just twice in 12 games. Nevertheless, they are unbeaten in front of their home fans in the last three games, and will be aiming to make it four against a Lancaster side with just one win in their last seven.

And two sides with play-off ambitions battle it out as Hebburn United take on Hyde United. 

Hyde endured a tough winter period, picking up just three points from their last six games. They’ll look to take advantage of Hebburn’s midweek defeat and pick up their first win since late November.

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

Fixtures - Saturday 18 January

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

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