ECCLESHILL United are hunting top spot in Toolstation Northern Counties East League Division One tonight, knowing that a home win against mid-table Ollerton Town would propel them to the summit.

A hard-fought 4-3 win at the Mitton Group Stadium over lowly Dronfield Town at the weekend kept the third-placed Eagles on the heels of the top two, and they would leapfrog both with another maximum.

The Nottinghamshire-based visitors are 15th in the table after taking just one point from their last three league fixtures.

The Eagles have more than double the points total of their visitors, having played the same number of games as both clubs reached the mid-point of the season at the weekend.

Sean Regan’s promotion-chasing Eccleshill are looking to stretch their run of eight consecutive league wins.

If they make it nine on the bounce, they will break the 50-point barrier and climb above second-placed Yorkshire Amateur, who have played one game more, and replace Knaresborough Town at the top as they are just two points better off than the Eagles.

Liversedge will be hoping to build on their derby victory last time out in the Premier Division when the travel to struggling Harrogate Railway.

The Rail are third from bottom, just inside the drop zone, but on goal difference only.

Sedge are a healthy 13th, have a 12-point advantage on their hosts and they will also be rested after a free weekend.

Jonathon Rimmington’s men beat rivals Albion Sports 3-0 away last midweek with goals from Andy Wood, Joe Hitch and Rhys Davies (penalty).

Albion are also back in action tonight as they host high-flying Pontefract Collieries in a League Cup second-round tie.

The draw threw the Premier Division rivals together but it was kinder to Kulwinder Sandhu’s men as they got home advantage.

It will be a difficult night if league form is a guide though.

Ponte are second in the table while the Albion Lions are struggling in 17th.

Thackley should have hosted a second-round tie last night.

The top-tier outfit were prepared for a visit from Division One side Swallownest, but a mid-afternoon pitch inspection led to a postponement.

The Dennyboys will now host NCEL newcomers Swallownest on Tuesday, January 9.