NPL Premier Division previews

It’s the first midweek fixtures in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. The opening weekend suggests it’s going to be competitive season.

The top two after the opening day, Stockton Town and Guiseley, face each other on Wednesday night. They were the only sides to win by two clear goals at the weekend – Guiseley were victorious over Workington by two goals to nil while Stockton Town won at Leek Town by the same scoreline, in a battle between newly promoted clubs.

The remaining 10 fixtures take place tonight, all kick-offs at 7.45pm.

Robbie Savage’s Macclesfield host Prescot Cables. The former Wales international led the Silkmen to a 1-0 win at Worksop Town on Saturday, just three months after they met in the play-off semi-finals. Prescot, promoted in May from NPL East, had an eventful summer which saw manager Ste Daley depart and then return within three days. They opened with a 0-0 draw against Matlock Town.

Marquee signing Adam Le Fondre will be looking to add to his debut goal for FC United of Manchester tonight. He scored the winner at Morpeth Town on Saturday, United begin their home campaign against Worksop Town.

Lancaster City were involved in the highest scoring game on Saturday, beating Basford United 3-2 with Jamie Mellen netting the winner in added time. They travel to Workington while Basford, who ended that game with nine men, are home to Leek Town.

Blyth Spartans host Hebburn Town, clubs who were two divisions apart last year. Hebburn’s first game at this level saw them beat 10-man Warrington Rylands 1-0 while Blyth needed a late Michael Woods goal to earn a 2-2 draw at Ashton United. Warrington and Ashton face each other tonight – Rylands claimed four points from the Greater Manchester outfit last term.

Mickleover moved laterally from Southern Premier Central in the summer and opened with a 1-1 draw at Hyde United. Their first home game is against Ilkeston Town, who also drew on day one – a 2-2 with Gainsborough Trinity which included two own goals.

Bamber Bridge came from behind to beat Whitby Town on Saturday. They host Hyde United who squandered a goal advantage against Mickleover.

Russ Wilcox’s Gainsborough Trinity start their home campaign at home to Morpeth Town while Matlock Town and Whitby Town, who both finished in the bottom half last season, meet at Causeway Lane.

Tonight’s fixtures:

Bamber Bridge v Hyde United
Basford United v Leek Town
Blyth Spartans v Hebburn Town
FC United of Manchester v Worksop Town
Gainsborough Trinity v Morpeth Town
Macclesfield v Prescot Cables
Matlock Town v Whitby Town
Mickleover v Ilkeston Town
Warrington Rylands v Ashton United
Workington AFC v Lancaster City