NCEL Midweek Preview
12th March, 2007
There is no doubt what the main game in the midweek action is as the top two Premier Division sides battle it out in the latest round of the title challenge.
Retford United go to Sheffield on Tuesday night knowing that victory could close the gap to just five points with three games in hand.
The hosts, meanwhile, will be looking for the win that makes the difference eleven points in what will be a mammoth tussle at the Bright Finance Stadium.
The Badgers may have the psychological advantage having won 4-0 there in the Presidents Cup last midweek but Sheffield will be determined to deny a repeat result.
It is one of seven Premier Division games taking place.
Third-placed Garforth Town look to further boost their promotion challenge as they host one of their rivals, Mickleover Sports.
And, Carlton Town, who are fifth, entertain Liversedge whilst two other sides in the top eight, Glapwell and Selby Town, are also at home against Glasshoughton Welfare and Eccleshill United, respectively.
Long Eaton United make the short trip to the Fieldings to face Sutton Town whilst Arnold Town host Hallam in the rest of the top flight action.
It is also an intriguing few days in the Division One as Parkgate's gap at the top that had seemed insurmountable could be closed to just one point.
Winterton Rangers will get to within touching distance of the leaders should they be victorious on Tuesday night.
But, it is a tough game as they go to the side in third, Nostell Miners Welfare.
The gap between the two sides may be thirteen points but Nostell have impressed greatly in their first season in the NCEL and will prove a difficult host.
Fourth-placed South Normanton Athletic are at home to next-to-bottom side Yorkshire Amateur whilst the other two of the three basement teams, Rossington Main and Teversal, meet at Oxford Street.
Dinnington Town go to Borrowash Victoria in the last of four Tuesday night games.
And, on Wednesday, Hall Road Rangers entertain Pontefract Collieries whilst Worsbrough Bridge are at Lincoln Moorlands.
It is also a massive midweek with regards to knock-out action as the first of the NCEL's Cup Finals gets underway.
The first leg of the Wilkinson Sword Trophy Final between Staveley Miners Welfare and Parkgate takes place at Inkersall Road on Tuesday night.
Parkgate will go into the tie as firm favourites due to their league position but Staveley, who have got through to the final by beating Tadcaster Albion, Hall Road Rangers and Lincoln Moorlands, are keen to upset the form book.
Then, on Thursday, Sutton Town play their second midweek game as they entertain Central Midlands outfit Radford in the Quarter-Finals of the Notts Senior Cup.