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NPL Premier Division Preview
Despite some sides being involved in FA Cup action, there are still six matches to get stuck into this Saturday in the Northern Premier League’s top division.
League leaders Lancaster City, are involved in one of those, as they take on Guiseley.
After losing their opening two league games, the Dolly Blues have picked up 22 points out of a possible 24, including five straight wins, to sit atop the division ahead of their clash with last season’s play-off finalists.
Guiseley have yet to win back-to-back league games this season, but they can do so on Saturday after beating Morpeth Town last time out.
For the hosts, Jimmy Marshall’s men can extend their lead over the current second-placed side, Hednesford Town, to five points, as the Pitmen are embroiled in cup action, but a defeat could see them fall off the top.
That is, if Stockton Town can continue their impressive home form and pick up all three points against Bamber Bridge.
The Anchors have won four and drawn one of their five league games at the MAP Group UK Stadium so far this season, scoring 15 goals in the process too.
Bamber Bridge will be eager to get back to action after their fixture against Warrington Town last weekend was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
FC United of Manchester were also forced to sit out last weekend due to the weather, but are back in action away at Prescot Cables.
Mark Beesley’s side have gone three weeks without scoring a goal, after a couple of goalless draws in their last two league games. Prescot will provide a big test to that, as Ste Daley’s side are notoriously difficult to break down at home.
Cables, alongside Stockton, are unbeaten in front of their home fans in league action this season, conceding just three in their five games on home soil.
Elsewhere, Hebburn Town’s rich vein of form will be put to the test when they take on Warrington Rylands.
The Hornets have won four and drawn two of their last six games - a run which has seen them climb to eighth in the table, three points behind Saturday’s visitors.
After a four-goal haul last time out against Hyde United at home, Neil Reynolds’ Blues will be hoping to find that goalscoring form on their travels, having netted just twice away from Gorsey Lane in league action.
And near the foot of the table, two of the current bottom three are in action.
This includes Stocksbridge Park Steels, who, at the 10th attempt, will search for their first league win of the season at home to Whitby Town.
Stocksbridge have had the lead in three of their last four games, but haven’t been able to hold onto all three points.
They’ll be hoping that elusive victory can finally come against a Whitby side with just one win in their last six games.
And finally, Workington have a chance to climb out of the bottom three if they can take any points away from Ilkeston Town.
The Reds have picked up a modest five points from their last four games, after a start which saw them lose five of their opening six.
A win for Ilkeston could see them climb as high as seventh if other results go their way.
Fixtures - Saturday 27 September
- Hebburn Town vs Warrington Rylands
- Ilkeston Town vs Workington
- Lancaster City vs Guiseley
- Prescot Cables vs FC United of Manchester
- Stocksbridge Park Steels vs Whitby Town
- Stockton Town vs Bamber Bridge
