NPL preview | Tuesday 17 September

Fresh from their emphatic 5-0 thrashing of National League North side South Shields in the FA Cup second qualifying round over the weekend, unbeaten league leaders Macclesfield travel to FC United of Manchester.

The Silkmen have picked up 20 points from a possible 24 this season, keeping clean sheets in their last four matches in all competitions.

FC United, meanwhile, come into Tuesday's game without a permanent manager, having parted company with Neil Reynolds after almost six years in charge following their 1-1 draw at Warrington Rylands seven days ago.

Any slip-up from Macclesfield could allow Worksop Town or Hebburn Town to climb to the summit of the division.

The free-scoring Tigers, who boast the division's best attack and strongest defence, visit a Mickleover side currently enjoying a five-game unbeaten run in the league.

Hebburn, meanwhile, have lost just one of their opening eight leagues following their promotion to Step 3 for the first time at the end of last season. They will look to extend their fine start when Whitby Town make the trip to Hebburn Sports Ground.

Elsewhere, former Sheffield manager Ryan Cresswell takes charge of Matlock Town for the first time as they visit Ashton United. 

Travelling to the side currently fourth in the table will be no easy task for the Gladiators, who picked up their first league win of the season at home to Workington on Saturday. 

Basford United travel 40 miles north to face Gainsborough Trinity, with the pair locked on 10 points after the opening eight games.

Gainsborough have won three of their last four in all competitions, whereas Basford where heavily beaten 6-3 at Worksop in the FA Cup over the weekend.

Guiseley and Morpeth Town meet at Nethermoor, with the Lions currently occupying the final play-off spot after a run of six successive wins in all competitions.

It also promises to be a big night for Macauley Wilson, who could make his second debut for Bamber Bridge away at Workington, following his move back to the Brig from NWCFL side Bury earlier this week. 

Rounding off the midweek round of fixtures is a meeting between recently-promoted Prescot Cables and unbeaten Lancaster City. 

The Dolly Blues sit two points outside of the play-off places, having drawn five of their league games to date.

The night's two other scheduled games - Ilkeston Town against Hyde United and Warrington Rylands' trip to Leek Town - have been postponed due to involvement in FA Cup second qualifying round replays. 

There is also one game on Wednesday, as Blyth Spartans travel to Stockton Town.

All fixtures will kick off at 7:45pm, unless stated otherwise.

Fixtures - Tuesday 17 September

• Ashton United vs Matlock Town
• FC United of Manchester vs Macclesfield
• Gainsborough Trinity vs Basford United
• Guiseley vs Morpeth Town
• Hebburn Town vs Whitby Town
• Mickleover vs Worksop Town
• Prescot Cables vs Lancaster City

• Workington vs Bamber Bridge

  Wednesday 18 September

• Stockton Town vs Blyth Spartans