MATCH PREVIEW: Bridge the gap

Whatever happens on Saturday, Reds will still occupy the bottom rung of the Premier Division ladder so the objective is to reduce the points gap between themselves and their fellow strugglers.

They head for Staffordshire for the league fixture against Leek Town and are currently three points behind their nearest rivals, Morpeth Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels, not forgetting an inferior goal ratio.

Leek Town are currently 17th and are six points better off than Reds at present. They have played two games less than us and their home record in the league has produced four victories and four defeats.

They are also enjoying a good run in the FA Trophy with three wins in the competition earning them a trip to Southport next month for a second-round tie.

It’s thirty-seven years since the inaugural meeting in 1988, with the teams facing each other eighteen times under the NPL banner. Over the years, Town have enjoyed more success in Cumbria, whereas we have had more joy at Harrison Park than we have on home soil.

Overall, though, Leek have won seven games in the series compared to the five victories we have managed.

There have also been two cup ties between the sides with Town knocking us out of the NPL First Division Cup back in the eighties and Reds winning in the Trophy six years ago.

In recent seasons, the last three meetings at Borough Park have resulted in a 1-1 draw whilst we have won, drawn and lost on Leek’s 4G pitch over the same period. The aforementioned loss was in April when Taylor Bowen, a player who has served both clubs, scoring a very early winning goal.

Reds have trained in contrasting temperatures this week – freezing cold on Tuesday and much milder on Thursday – and are ready for what will be another challenging fixture.

Venue: The F Ball Community Stadium, Macclesfield Road, Leek, Staffordshire

Postcode: ST13 8LD

Mileage: 167

Kick-off: 3pm

Admission:

Adult - £13, Concession (Over 65 and U21) - £9, U18 - £5, U8 – free admission.