MATCH PREVIEW: Just another game

The top two of the NPL’s West Division are involved in a pivotal fixture on Saturday and all roads lead to Borough Park to see if Reds can overtake David McNabb’s impressive Warrington Rylands team.

Hopes are high for another four-figure gate following on from the 1,000 + attendances against Widnes and Trafford.

Rylands have swept all before them in their first season at this level and are within touching distance of the title as the division’s best defence prepares to host a team that has already scored 91 league goals.

Reds, too, are pushing for a first ever Northern Premier League title having never finished higher than second.

A win for either side on Saturday doesn’t guarantee anything but would make them strong favourites to top the table in a competitive division.

Back in October, Rylands inflicted a 2-1 defeat upon Reds in monsoon conditions at Gorsey Lane thanks to goals from Owen Robinson and Kane Drummond on the hour mark. In a cracking contest, Steven Rigg’s close range goal reduced the arrears but we couldn’t find the equaliser we probably deserved.

It brought to an end our 28 match unbeaten league record.

Both teams have changed considerably since then but it will be down to who can handle the occasion as much as a formidable opponent.

The game compares to Workington’s encounter v. FC United of Manchester seven years ago when the top two clashed at Borough Park in front of a 2,603 crowd. There is a slight difference this time, though, as Reds are still contenders unlike when they defeated FC United only to finish second!

Marine, who host Workington next week, travel to Colne.

Supporters are advised to arrive early for the 3pm kick-off.