NPL preview | Saturday 28 September

An FA Cup first qualifying round rematch headlines the weekend’s action, as Mark Beesley takes charge of his first FC United of Manchester game away at Hyde United.

The two sides have already met twice this season, after their original cup tie went to a replay following a dramatic 3-3 draw at Broadhurst Park, where FC United came from 3-0 down in the final 10 minutes.

Hyde won the replay 1-0, and will be looking to make it two wins in a row against their Greater Manchester neighbours this weekend.

Beesley will be aiming to pick up a win in his first game at the helm, and put an end to FC United's 11-game winless run in all competitions.

Ashton United will be looking to bounce back from a shock 3-0 home defeat to Prescot Cables when they travel to Ilkeston Town this weekend.

The Robins know that a point will see them regain third place, given Hebburn Town don’t play at all this weekend. 

However, Ilkeston, who are able to call upon the league’s top scorer in Tom Cursons, will be eager to cut the points deficit between the two sides to two points, with Ilkeston also having two games in hand.

Prescot have picked up form in recent weeks, with three wins and a draw from their last five league games. They will look to extend that run this weekend at home to Leek Town, who currently reside in the relegation zone.

Both sides were promoted from the NPL West Division last season, with champions Leek doing the double over Ste Daley’s side without conceding a goal. A win for the Blues will see them climb out of the bottom four, and to within a point of their opponents.

The league’s bottom club, Matlock Town, travel to Whitby Town, with the Seasiders coming into this one with just one win in their last eight league games - a remarkable 6-2 away victory at Hebburn Town just over a week ago.

Ryan Cresswell is still searching for his first win as Matlock Town boss, but has overseen an upturn in performances against Ashton United and FC United of Manchester, which will bring belief that the Gladiators can do enough to earn their second league victory of the season.

Three consecutive league wins for Bamber Bridge has seen them shoot up into the division’s top 10. They’ll be aiming to climb further when they host eighth-placed Mickleover.

Gareth Holmes’ side have seen 4-0 scorelines in their last two league games, having blown away Blyth Spartans days after a 4-0 defeat to Worksop Town. A win for Mickleover could see them rise as high as fifth.

Finally, Blyth host Basford United, with Spartans looking to pick up a second win in three following their heavy defeat last time out.

Basford, meanwhile, are also looking to return to form following a four-goal defeat in their last game, at home to table-toppers Macclesfield.

All fixtures will kick off at 3pm, unless stated otherwise.

Fixtures - Saturday 28 September

• Bamber Bridge vs Mickleover FC
• Blyth Spartans vs Basford United
• Hyde United vs FC United of Manchester
• Ilkeston Town vs Ashton United
• Prescot Cables vs Leek Town
• Whitby Town vs Matlock Town

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