It promises to be a big weekend for the two local semi-pro clubs chasing titles in the respective divisions of the Northern Counties East League.

Brighouse Town sit proudly on top of the Premier Division but their lead is only one point and second-placed Scarborough Athletic have a game in hand.

Town make the journey to Maltby Town on Saturday and should be too strong for the lower mid-table outfit, while the Seadogs face a tougher test as they are at home to fifth-placed Tadcaster Albion.

Paul Quinn’s Town would receive another boost if neighbours Thackley enjoy a home win. The Dennyboys host Bridlington Town, who are third. Brid are eight points off the summit with only two games in hand but, if they were to drop more points at Dennyfield, it would strengthen Brighouse’s position.

Liversedge are a disappointing 15th, immediately below Maltby, and they host Pickering Town. The North Yorkshire outfit beat Thackley at the start of the month and are looking for the win that will take them through the 60 point barrier this season.

Albion Sports moved back up to second in Division One on Wednesday with a 5-2 win at Horsfall Stadium and they will be looking for more home comforts on Saturday.

Kulwinder Sandhu’s men are six points off the top with two games in hand but have a far superior goal difference to leaders Athersley Recreation. Albion’s visitors are eighth-placed Teversal while Athersley host fifth-placed AFC Emley.

Lower tier neighbouring rivals Eccleshill United journey to Hemsworth MW, who were Albion’s opponents in that 5-2 win last Wednesday. The Eagles’ long unbeaten run came to a halt last Saturday but they will still be in high spirits.

The RIASA players, who make up the vast majority of the Eccleshill squad, and head coach Bobby Davison flew to Spain for a three-day warm weather training camp and a friendly game against Real Sociadad’s development squad during the week.

Another incentive for the Eagles should come from the fact that Hemsworth are only seven points better off but have played three games more, so they can by reeled in.