WARRINGTON Town and Warrington Rylands will both aim to move up towards the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off spots this evening.

The sides are locked together in mid-table on 19 points – two shy of the all-important top five – with Town a place higher in 11th on goal difference having played two games fewer.

Rylands are on home soil for the second game running as they welcome Atherton Collieries to Gorsey Lane with the aim of bringing a winless run to an end.

Following Saturday’s 2-1 reverse at home to Matlock Town, Blues have lost back-to-back games as part of a wider run of five matches without a victory.

Warrington Guardian: Rylands were beaten 2-1 by Matlock Town on Saturday. Picture by Mark PercyRylands were beaten 2-1 by Matlock Town on Saturday. Picture by Mark Percy (Image: Mark Percy)

They remain the division’s highest scorers having hit the net 30 times but it is keeping the ball out of their own goal that has proved problematic.

Their 27 goals conceded is the third-worst in the division while they have kept only one clean sheet in their past nine league games.

Their visitors tonight have been a tough nut to crack of late – Atherton make the short trip to Warrington having lost just one of their last eight league matches.

Meanwhile, Warrington Town are on the road again – they travel to Lancaster City with the aim of building on their emphatic 4-0 win at Liversedge on Saturday.

Another victory at the Giant Axe this evening would make it three away wins in a row in all competitions and back-to-back victories for the first time since the opening two games of the season.

Warrington Guardian: Warrington Town are looking for their third away win in a row in all competitions. Picture by Karl VallantineWarrington Town are looking for their third away win in a row in all competitions. Picture by Karl Vallantine (Image: Karl Vallantine)

Lancaster have struggled to get going this season and sit 17th in the table but have won back-to-back games – they were 3-2 victors at Morpeth Town in the FA Trophy before beating Warrington Rylands 2-1 in their last league outing last Tuesday.

Kick off for both games is at 7.45pm.

Tonight's NPL Premier Division fixtures

Ashton United v Stafford Rangers

Bamber Bridge v Hyde United

Belper Town v Radcliffe

Guiseley v FC United of Manchester

Lancaster City v Warrington Town

Liversedge v South Shields

Marske United v Gainsborough Trinity

Morpeth Town v Whitby Town

Stalybridge Celtic v Marine

Warrington Rylands v Atherton Collieries