Evo-Stik/National League: Defence key to hat-trick win bid for Farsley

A shock 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture ensures the Celts won’t be expecting an easy victory, but some solid recent performances in defence have given Lakeland renewed confidence that his side are now turning a corner in their tough promotion push.

“Ultimately the column that’s gone against us this season is the goals against,” says Lakeland. “There’s no getting away from that. We’ve conceded too many goals and it is disappointing and frustrating because I have seen us on numerous occasions defend very well as a team.

“But I think mentally we’re getting our heads around that now and I’m sure that if we can continue to defend like we have done in the last couple of games in particular, then we can win plenty more games between now and the end of the season.”

Also with a play-off place firmly in their sights are Tadcaster Albion, who sit just two points off the Evo-Stik North play-off places with three games in hand ahead of their home outing with Droylsden.

Albion will also be keeping an eye on Brighouse Town’s fixture tomorrow at Colywn Bay, with Town’s opponents holding strong hopes of a play-off place, sitting just one point behind Albion with a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Ossett Albion’s hunt for valuable points in the relegation battle takes a stern test tomorrow when they travel to fifth-placed Prescot Cables, who remain safely in the play-off mix despite a recent dip in form, while Ossett Town are also on the road against Ramsbottom United.

After their near-historic winning run came to an end last week, Frickley Athletic are desperate to get back to winning ways, looking for a first win in four to re-ignite their Evo-Stik South automatic promotion push when they travel to Bedworth United.

National League North promotion chasers Bradford Park Avenue have a must-win game tomorrow, as Mark Bower’s men host rock-bottom, relegation-destined North Ferriby.