NPL preview | Saturday 2 November

The two sides with the fewest defeats go head-to-head in the game of the round as Macclesfield welcome Lancaster City to the Leasing.com Stadium.

The Silkmen now hold a 10-point cushion over Worksop Town in second place after their 3-2 win over Matlock Town in midweek.

Next up, they face a Lancaster City side who have lost just twice in 15 league games this season.

The Dolly Blues are currently on a three-game streak of league draws, and will be eager to turn one point into three and inflict a first league defeat on Macclesfield in their next outing. 

Worksop, meanwhile, have lost three of their last four league games and fallen away from the runaway league leaders. This weekend, they’ll be looking to turn their fortunes around away at Workington.

The Reds have lost just once at Borough Park in the league this season, but do come into this one having lost their last two, conceding eight in the process.

Hebburn Town, the side currently in third, take on FC United of Manchester, who enter the weekend second from bottom.

The two have already met in the FA Trophy this season, with FC United easing to a 3-0 victory over the Hornets.

Mark Beesley’s side will be searching for another win, which would be their second in the league since the manager’s arrival in September.

Towards the foot of the table, both Whitby Town and Warrington Rylands will be hoping to pick up a first league win in front of their home fans this weekend.

Whitby host Prescot Cables, who have eyes on the league’s top five following their big win over Ilkeston Town last time out. 

Rylands welcome Basford United to Gorsey Lane as they aim to build on their big 4-0 win over Ossett United in the FA Trophy.

Two sides on the periphery of the play-offs battle it out as Ashton United travel to Hyde United.

Ashton have failed to win any of their last four league games, and come into this one off the back of a heavy 7-1 defeat at Macclesfield in the FA Trophy.

Hyde, meanwhile, will be looking to build on a 2-2 draw last time out against Lancaster, as they aim to climb back into the top five.

Stockton Town have hit a purple patch in front of goal, netting 16 times throughout their current four-game winning run which has seen them shoot up to fourth.

They’ll be aiming to make it five straight wins against Matlock Town, who have conceded the most goals in the division but enjoyed a marked improvement in performances under the recently-appointed Ryan Cresswell.

Ilkeston Town, the final side occupying a play-off place, host bottom club Blyth Spartans.

It has been a busy 24 hours for Spartans, who parted company with manager David Stockdale after a takeover of the club, led by local businessman Martin Trinder, was confirmed on Thursday afternoon. 

Finally, 12th vs 13th go head-to-head when Bamber Bridge welcome Morpeth Town to the SFC Stadium.

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

Fixtures - Saturday 2 November

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

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