Saturday Preview: National League North

John McDermott's Alfreton Town have made several changes to the playing squad in recent weeks as they look to start to climb the table, their opponents Boston United have seen a steady improvement in resuits with Craig Elliott in charge and have won their last two matches, writes Tom Feaheny.

Both Brackley Town and AFC Telford United had FA Trophy matches on Tuesday with differing results as Brackley progressed while United were eliminated, Kevin Wilkin's side know they need to keep up their good run to stay in the play-off places.

A local derby sees Curzon Ashton take on Stockport County, the Nash got a mid-week win at North Ferriby while County boss Jim Gannon knows a good run at Christmas can move his side into the play-off zone.

For Gainsborough Trinity and Darlington postponed games have been a frustration in recent weeks with Gainsborough also looking ahead to an FA Trophy tie at Gainsborough that will be played in the near future while Darlo saw their game against Salford called off two weekends in a row.

Fighting for promotion and FA Trophy going into the new year means it has been a success so far for Harrogate Town who host North Ferriby United who are still on seven points despite encouraging displays.

Another side aiming high is Kidderminster Harriers who in recent weeks seem to have cracked it in terms of gaining consistency, they face Nuneaton Town who are three unbeaten in the league.

Top of the table Salford City haven't played in a few weeks due to the weather, this though hasn't stopped them staying first and in a strong position, they take on Chorley who were disappointing in the FA Trophy last weekend and will look for an improvement.

It is now 17 games without a win for Southport who lost late again last weekend, Kevin Davies says a change in mentality is needed, they host Bradford Park Avenue who lost to Tamworth 4-3 but stay in a good position.

For Spennymoor Town it has been a successful campaign so far as they fight for a play-off place they take on FC United of Manchester who have picked up impressive results since Tom Greaves took charge.

There was a dramatic Tamworth win last weekend, they will look to build on that they face Leamington who were knocked out of the FA Trophy so now have full focus on the league.

Martin Gray believes it will take time to transform York City, they face Alun Armstrong's Blyth Spartans who are currently in the play-off places.

Alfreton Town V Boston United
Brackley Town V AFC Telford United
Curzon Ashton V Stockport County
Gainsborough Trinity V Darlington
Harrogate Town V North Ferriby United
Kidderminster Harriers V Nuneaton Town
Salford City V Chorley
Southport V Bradford Park Avenue
Spennymoor Town V FC United of Manchester
Tamworth V Leamington
York City V Blyth Spartans