Local Non League Matches – 04.02.23

Local Non League Matches – 04.02.23

Pre-match reports by Dave Johnson

NEWCASTLE TOWN v PRESCOT CABLES

Prescot Cables are the visitors this weekend as Castle look to recover from their defeat to third placed Workington last weekend, hoping home advantage can swing it their way.

With one win in their last ten games it is a big ask, with their opponents strong play-off contenders, with just three defeats in their last ten fixtures.

Both sides were beaten last time out, Cables were on the wrong end of a 2-1 home defeat against Trafford, which given their league position – they are level on points with Newcastle – will give Newcastle some belief.

Prior to the Workington loss, Castle had gone three games undefeated and they could do with getting something from each of their next three games, ahead of the rearranged home game against Macclesfield.

WITTON ALBION v KIDSGROVE ATHLETIC

After a run of four games without a win, Kidsgrove got back to winning ways last weekend with a 2-1 home win against Colne and they will be looking for a repeat on Saturday.

Their opponents, Witton Albion, are four points worse off, but have a game in hand – should they win this fixture and their game in hand then they would leap-frog Grove in the table.

Witton were struggling at the wrong end of the table for a while, but then went eight games unbeaten before a 4-1 defeat at Clitheroe last weekend.

Kidsgrove, who have won three of their last away fixtures, could do with a win in this one, to take them into their home game against Leek Town in midweek on a high.

HANLEY TOWN v CLITHEROE

Still looking for that exclusive first home win, Hanley desperately need a win from somewhere if they are to escape the drop zone.

Their last win was against Northwich, back in mid-November – a run which has seen them drop to third from bottom in the table.

They have lost just two of their last seven games, but they will be well aware that the five draws – four draws in the last four home fixtures – are nowhere near enough.

Clitheroe’s 4-1 win at home to Witton Albion last weekend followed a five-game winless streak, but the emphasis is on Hanley to break their own poor run of form.

LEEK TOWN v WORKINGTON

Three points ahead of this week’s visitors to Harrison Park, Leek Town have a huge game on their hands when they take on a Workington side one place behind them in the table.

A win against Leek would see the two sides level on points, whereas a Leek win would open up a gap of six points and keep up their slim hopes of catching Macclesfield.

The corresponding fixture back in October saw the game finish all-square – since then Leek have won twelve and lost two of fourteen league games.

Workington have won nine and drawn two of their last eleven and both sides will be desperate to succeed in this one.

BOOTLE v MACCLESFIELD

Macclesfield further strengthened their bid for promotion on Thursday when they added 23-year-old pacey midfielder Dylan Fage to the squad.

The Frenchman, described as ‘a natural entertainer’ progressed through the ranks at Auxerre before signing a professional contract with Oldham Athletic in July 2019. He was released by the Latics when they dropped into the National League.

The Silkmen make the trip to Bootle this weekend as they look to take advantage of second placed Leek’s game against third placed Workington to increase their lead at the top.

Bootle currently sit eight places below Macclesfield, having drawn their last three matches. Neil Danns’ side are unbeaten in nine.

CONGLETON TOWN v IRLAM

Congleton will be looking to revive their form in the league after failing to win any of their last three games, beaten at home by Padiham and drawing against both Avro and Squires Gate.

Their last league win was on Boxing Day, though they have come out on top in three cup fixtures since the turn of the year.

Having slipped down to eighth in the table, the Bears will be hoping to get their home form back on track and pick up all three points.

Richard Duffy’sside will be out to avenge their defeat in the corresponding match back in September when they were beaten 3-0 in Greater Manchester.

WARRINGTON TOWN v STAFFORD RANGERS

Last weekend’s 2-0 home win against Marske United brought to an end a run of five consecutive defeats and Stafford need to step it up again this weekend.

They face a tough trip to Warrington Town who currently occupy fourth place in the table, having played one more game than the two sides just below them.

Warrington have won three and drawn six of their last nine games but they have already lost three times on home soil, so that will give Stafford some hope.

But they know it is all about what Matty Hill’s side do on the day – one thing is for sure; they need to start a bit of a run going soon or they may be in trouble.

NANTWICH TOWN v ATHERTON COLLIERIES

A win against Atherton Collieries this weekend would lift them above their opponents and help lift them up the table a little, away from the bottom four.

The Dabbers’ form hasn’t been the best of late, with a single win in their last seven games, but they can take positives from the draw earned away to Whitby Town last weekend.

When the two sides met earlier in the season it was Atherton who came out on top with two second half goals making all the difference.

Nantwich will be looking to make their home advantage pay dividends this time, though one win from their last nine home fixtures will hardly instill confidence.