The top two teams in the Northern Counties East Premier Division go head to head at Clayborn tomorrow as second-placed Liversedge host Buxton.

In their last two fixtures, Sedge have beaten Pickering Town and Harrogate Railway to go back second with games in hand.

Now their attentions turn to the leaders.

"I said before Christmas that we had a tough schedule coming up and it has proved to be but we have won games to put ourselves in a good position," said Sedge manager Eugene Lacy.

"We have Buxton to play twice and we have a game in hand on them as well so it is there for us if we can get our attitude right. But we aren't shouting from the rooftops - there is a long way to go yet."

A fine run of results means Thackley will be buoyant as they face a visit from Maltby Main. The only defeat in their last ten games was at Buxton.

"It is a good run but that includes cup results so we are still in need of points in the league," said Thackley boss John Boyle.

Influential sweeper Brian Brooks misses out. He has been struggling with a torn stomach muscle. Andy King is also doubtful. He withdrew from the squad for last Monday's 2-1 win over Mickleover Sports through illness.

"In hindsight we should not have allowed Brian to play against Mickleover - he needs a rest now. We will give Andy as long as we can before making a decision on the final 14."

No team in the division could be filled with more confidence than Eccleshill United after their demolition of Shirebrook Town last Monday. They hammered half a dozen goals without reply.

Despite that, manager Ray Price has one alteration to his squad for the visit of Glasshoughton Welfare.

"Scott Broughton missed the game because he was visiting family over the New Year but he comes back in because Danny Backhouse has to go with the reserves."

Liversedge (from): Sutcliffe, Haigh, Lowe, Milnes, Brown, Hussain, Farrand, Walton, Borland, Hamlet, Marshall, Walker, Mitchell, Gott, McEwan.

Thackley (from): Everard, Firth, Sugden, Riley, King, Walter, Senior, Larkin, Oliver, Etienne, Iqbal, Johnson, Reilly, Shar, Graham, Matthews.

Eccleshill United (from): Bates, Wilson, Dolan, Cornwall, Waite, Price, Philp, Fletcher, Hardy, Wood, Patterson, Howland, Ferrand, Broughton.