MATCH PREVIEW: Match seven in hectic August

Two games to go in what has been a demanding August, before the NPL fixture calendar eases slightly.

Reds host Leek Town at the Fibrus Community Stadium on Saturday then travel to Lancaster City on Monday (both fixtures kicking off at the traditional 3pm slot).

Fibrus Community Stadium

Like most clubs, our aim is to get through this busy schedule with some points on the board, and without too many injuries, before settling into the less demanding programme throughout September.

At least all the clubs are in the same boat, Leek and ourselves in particular. We travelled to Avro on a Wednesday then had another away game on the Saturday whilst Leek have been through the same scenario, travelling to Cumbria after their midweek trip to Oldham.

The next two months will, of course, be interrupted by the FA Cup and Trophy ties but, generally, the mid-week trips will be less frequent until October.

Leek Town were, of course, in Cumbria just four months ago for our memorable final day at Borough Park and we now welcome them to our temporary new home.

They have drawn their three away games to date, 1-1 at FC United of Manchester and Stockton Town followed by that eight-goal thriller at Avro on Wednesday.

Their first two home matches resulted in a 1-2 defeat, versus Whitby Town and Emley respectively, but they did win impressively (4-1) against Bamber Bridge.

They are currently 16th in the embryonic Premier Division table, a point behind ourselves – if that means anything.

Josh Palmer on the attack.

Last season, they finished an impressive 8th in the table (with 58 points) and that was an improvement on the season before (15th with 52 points).

Billy Barr will go into action with a similar squad to the one on duty against Rylands although new recruit, Joe Grayson, is unavailable.

In twenty previous NPL meetings, Leek have recorded eight victories in the series and we have emerged winners on five occasions.