Local Non League Matches – 12.11.22

Local Non League Matches – 12.11.22 

By Dave Johnson

Newcastle Town v Glossop North End

Back to winning ways last weekend with a 2-1 victory against City of Liverpool, Newcastle face a Glossop North End who haven’t fared too well in recent weeks.

Whilst ‘Castle’ have only picked up six points from their last five games, Glossop have managed just four points from their last six outings.

On home soil, Newcastle have been beaten just the once, but North End have shown they are not to be taken for granted, winning three of their five games on their travels.

Newcastle can still make an impression at the top end of the table and boss Robin van der Laan will be hoping his side can show their credentials this weekend to continue their recovery following recent disappointment.

Runcorn Linnets v Kidsgrove Athletic

Kidsgrove have the difficult task of an away game at a Runcorn Linnets side sitting one place above them in the table thanks to a superior goal difference.

Unbeaten at home this season, Linnets have relied on a mean defence, with only league leaders Macclesfield conceding fewer goals.

Kidsgrove have shipped far too many goals, but if they can keep it tight at the Apec Taxis Stadium they know that a win would leap-frog their opponents with a top five place at stake.

After winning three of their last four games, the Grove will go into this game with nothing to fear, whilst showing full respect to a well-organised Runcorn outfit.

1874 Northwich v Hanley Town

Hanley Town have been quite impressive this season when playing away from the Potteries Park, and given  the home form Northwich have shown this season it looks like this could be a nailbiter for both sides.

Despite losing to Glossop in their last home fixture, it was the first time Northwich have tasted defeat at their Townfield stadium, having previously drawn their opening three home fixtures, followed by three wins.

But Hanley will make the trip to Cheshire secure in the knowledge that in seven away fixtures this season, they have only been beaten once – a 4-1 defeat against Leek Town.

Hanley have wone five of the their six on their travels, but of course boss Ryan Shotton has been in the game long enough to know they can’t take anything for granted, his players will need to fight harder than ever if they are to continue their proud record.

Leek Town v Clitheroe

With just one defeat in their thirteen games this season Leek look to be the biggest threat to leaders Macclesfield and they will be keen to keep the pressure on when they take on Clitheroe at Harrison Park.

Saturday’s visitors are well placed in the table, just two points from the top five and  at least one game in hand over every one of the teams above them – and they have lost just one game away from home.

The only time they suffered defeat on their travels was a 3-0 loss at Macclesfield on the opening day of the season, though they have failed to win in their last two games.

Though they know they are up against a tough opponent, there is every reason for optimism in the Leek camp, but boss Neil Baker will make sure his side are well-prepared.

Trafford v Macclesfield

On a four-game unbeaten run until losing to Leek Town at home recently, Trafford now host league leaders Macclesfield at their Shawe View ground.

Trafford went on to beat Hanley Town last weekend at the Potteries Park, but they are far from the first team to achieve such a feat this season.

They will find Macclesfield a completely different kettle of fish. The Silkmen are top of the table for a reason and since new boss Dave McNabb was brought in they have won both games played.

Four points clear of second placed Leek, Macclesfield know they can’t afford to slip up and they will be hopeful of picking up all three points this weekend.

Congleton Town v Coventry United (FA VASE)

Playing the fourth of five consecutive home fixtures in all competitions, Congleton will be hoping their home form continues, having won their last three games at the Cleric Stadium.

Their league form at their home ground is certainly impressive – they have won eight of their nine home fixtures, drawing the other one.

Saturday’s visitors Coventry United play their football in the United Counties League Premier Division South, which is the 9th tier of English football. As a Step five side, the Bears should be confident going into the game.

They were founded in 2013 following a takeover of Coventry Spartans in reaction to Coventry City moving from the Richo Arena to Northmpton to play at Sixfields Stadium.

Stafford Rangers v Stalybridge Celtic

Still just three points shy of second placed FC United of Manchester, Stafford ought to be going into the one with confidence against a Stalybridge Celtic side who are struggling somewhat this season.

Stafford’s run of three consecutive draws came to an end last weekend when goals from Alex Kiwomya and Jaiden White against Lancaster City were enough to take maximum points home with them from the wonderfully-names Giant Axe stadium.

This game is, of course, at Marston Road, where Rangers have lost just one league game from nine played, yet they have failed to win any of the last two home games, dropping two points against both Guiseley and Hyde United.

Stalybridge beat Whitby Town in their last away game after losing four consecutive fixtures on their travels, which puts Stafford down as firm favourites on Saturday afternoon.

Nantwich Town v Morpeth Town

Nantwich finally got the win they had been looking for, and arguably some of their performances had deserved when they beat Ashton Town last weekend to avenge their home defeat to the same side the previous weekend.

Daniel Cockerline’s third goal of the season in the 57^th minutes was enough to secure the victory for the Dabbers.

They desperately need to build on that now in an attempt to climb up the table – they are still second from bottom, and even three points this weekend won’t guarantee a place out of the bottom four.

Morpeth Town have won just one of their last seven league fixtures, a 2-1 defeat of Stafford Rangers in mid-October. Nantwich will be hoping home advantage could be the key to this one.