Non-League: Lakeland looking for the right reaction from Farsley

A shock 1-0 home defeat to Sutton Coldfield Town, courtesy of a first-minute strike, has placed further question marks on whether they can hold on to their slim play-off position, with this outing now a ‘must-win’ if they are to hold off the chasing pack.

The Celts, however, will be boosted by defender Adam Clayton’s return from suspension, with fellow defender Danny Ellis and ’keeper Graeme McKibbin also strong hopefuls to join him.

It’s another week and another huge promotion clash for Tadcaster Albion, with five places but only four points separating them from fifth-placed opponents Hyde United.

Albion will aim to bounce back from last week’s frustrating draw against ten-man play-off rivals Trafford, who this week entertain Tadcaster’s local play-off rivals Ossett Town.

Two successive league defeats have left Town stuck amongst a tight play-off chasing pack, with this weekend’s outing providing a stern test for Grant Black’s men.

Struggling Ossett Albion, meanwhile, continue their long search for a win when they welcome Mossley, while the Southern League sees Frickley Athletic aim to get back to winning ways at Romulus.

Harrogate Town travel to FC United of Manchester tomorrow looking to consolidate second place in National League North and close the gap on leaders Salford City. Simon Weaver’s side currently find themselves seven points behind the pace-setters, albeit with a game in hand.

And although this weekend’s opponents sit just one place above the relegation zone, Town know they will face a tough test as the Red Rebels have won their last six games on home soil.

Striker Mark Beck, a recent signing from Darlington, could make his debut for Harrogate.

A tricky test also awaits Bradford Park Avenue at Alfreton Town, as Avenue aim to continue their strong league form despite a disappointing FA Trophy exit to Stourbridge.

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The small matter of taking on NCE Premier leaders Handsworth Paramore away from home is what Pickering Town must overcome to get back to winning ways tomorrow.

Town can be encouraged by their 3-0 win in September’s reverse fixture as Russell Parker’s brace and Joe Danby’s strike quickly saw their opponents off. However, their opponents come into this match on the back of six league wins on the bounce, including a 2-1 triumph at title favourites Pontefract Colleries, whose pursuit of glory goes on hold this week for their FA Vase third-round tie with Worksop Town.

Meanwhile, Hemsworth Miners Welfare will hope to improve their inconsistent away form when they travel to Bridlington Town looking to keep up their faint promotion hopes.

A relegation clash also sees Harrogate Railway Athletic still looking for a way out of the drop zone, putting their threegame unbeaten league run to the test against Staveley Miners Welfare.

Garforth Town will also hope to halt their recent league slide when they travel to Penistone Church, while Liversedge welcome rock-bottom Clipstone.

And after regaining their strong form, Knaresbrough Town head to Nostell Miners Welfare looking to regain top spot in Division One.

Waiting for a slip-up will be Yorkshire Amateur, who can overtake Knaresbrough Town into the automatic promotion spots if they win their outing at home to Hallam.

A potentially dangerous fixture at Brigg Town also sees Selby Town try to gain vital ground in the promotion hunt, while AFC Emley face bottom club Retford United.

Glasshoughton Welfare’s reent strong run also faces possibly its biggest test of them all, with league leaders Eccleshill United making the trip to Leeds Road on the back of ten straight wins.