Evo-Stik: '˜We're a better team without Wally' reckons Farsley boss Lakeland

The Celts had to come from behind three times to rescue a 3-3 draw when they last played Buxton in November, but Lakeland feels that his side are much changed since then, as they look to continue their promotion pursuit.

“I feel like we’ve improved a great deal [since we last played Buxton],” said Lakeland. “A lot was made of us losing James Walshaw and obviously the goals that he scored speak for themselves. But I feel like we’ve become a better all-round team since he left.

“We’ve also got quite a lot of lads who haven’t played at this level before, but now they’re 20-odd games into the season and are much more experienced. So, providing we all stick together and continue to put work in on the training pitch then I’m sure we can continue to get some more good results.”

Meanwhile, the Evo-Stik North also sees Ossett Albion looking to kick on from an impressive draw against Droylsden when they take on another promotion contender in Hyde United, as do Brighouse Town in their trip to Trafford.

Tadcaster Albion, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from their cup exit to Cleethorpes when they take on Colwyn Bay, while Ossett Town continue their search for a win this year at home to Clitheroe.

Elsewhere, the strong tests continue for high-flying Frickley Athletic in Evo-Stik South as they look to make it seven wins on the bounce when they take on play-off-chasing Leek Town, with Athletic still in touching distance of the automatic promotion spots.

National League North sees a huge outing for Harrogate Town, as they travel to league leaders Salford City with renewed confidence following their strong 5-0 FA Trophy victory against St Albans City.

Bradford Park Avenue, meanwhile, take on struggling Gainsborough Trinity, with Mark Bower’s men desperate to return to winning ways after a disappointing 2-1 loss to promotion rivals York City.