NCEL Weekend Preview
5th January, 2007
On a day where every NCEL team is in action, there is a massive game at the top of the Premier Division.
It is second versus first at Station Road where Mickleover Sports, looking for their fifth consecutive win, take on Sheffield who have picked up maximum points from their last eight matches.
Sports know that avoiding defeat is vital as victory for the visitors would open up a gap of thirteen points between the Dronfield based side and their nearest rivals.
There is also a top five clash at Muglet Lane when former leaders Maltby Main, who are now fifth after a slump in form, take on third-placed Retford United who are unbeaten in eleven matches.
And the side in between them, Hallam, are at home to Glapwell who know that a victory on the famous slope will propel them into the top six.
Two of the bottom three sides come face-to-face at Dennyfield as Thackley, in eighteenth, take on bottom side Shirebrook Town.
The hosts come into the game on the back of five defeats whilst Shirebrook have failed to win in twelve matches but are beginning to look as though they may turn the corner.
Meanwhile, Brodsworth Welfare, who are nineteenth and are currently on the worst run in the NCEL, hope to turn around their fortunes at mid-table Long Eaton United.
Welfare have not won in nineteen matches after picking up maximum points from their opening two games of the season.
Sixteenth takes on seventeenth at Gedling Road as Arnold Town entertain Armthorpe Welfare and the two sides above them also clash as Liversedge go to Glasshoughton Welfare.
Garforth Town?s recent run of form has seen them move up to sixth - and they hope to continue their turnaround away at Pickering Town.
And, Carlton Town are at home to Selby Town whilst Sutton Town go to Eccleshill United.
In Division One, two sides will be aiming to make it eight wins in a row.
Top side Parkgate aim to keep their position at the summit safe at home to a recently improved Yorkshire Amateur whilst South Normanton Athletic have the tougher task at the side one place below them in fifth, Lincoln Moorlands.
Winterton Rangers and Nostell Miners Welfare will be hoping for victories to keep the pressure on Parkgate as Rangers travel to Tadcaster Albion and Nostell entertain Worsbrough Bridge.
At the other end of the table, Rossington Main aim to stop a seven match losing streak as the bottom side go to AFC Emley and Borrowash Victoria, also desperate for a win, go to Derbyshire rivals, Staveley Miners Welfare.
Hall Road Rangers are at home to Gedling Town and Teversal travel to Dinnington Town.
And, the only side without a league game, Pontefract Collieries, have fixed up a friendly at home to Ossett Town.