Match Preview: Stretford Paddock v Newton-Le-Willows

Stretford Paddock enter the final quadrant of the season by entertaining familiar opposition in Newton-Le-Willows at the Openshaw Campus with kick off organised for 14:00.

Paddock approach this match with revenge in mind. It's fair to say Paddock have struggled in recent games against teams who have suddenly found their richest vein of form. This period in the new year was always destined to be a difficult one to navigate considering fixtures against the likes of Winsford, Brow, Pilks, and Lymm were stacking up on the horizon.

To dive a little deeper beyond the surface level of ominous red dots though, Paddock have lost just one game where we might have expected them to have played with more assertiveness. Although each loss is another kick in the promotion gut, Paddock need to leave those defeats to what is currently the top four behind them, puff out their chests, and be ready to fight for every last point they can get to finish this season in as strong a position as possible in what has been a much higher quality season in Division 2.

This is evidenced by the fact that Paddock have already surpassed their 22-23 points total (42), goals total (58), and are on track to conceded less (59). Two teams have also already met the 22-23 threshold for promotion (53).

23-24

22-23

Newton-Le-Willows are currently matching their best run of form since the very beginning of the season having chalked 10 points from their last four matches (Hartford, Maine Road Res, West Dids, and Paddock). Leather and Bickerstaff are the clubs top scorers with 9 and 7 respectively, so NLW will feel like they have the tools to take the points home. In their last game out against Paddock on a terrible grass pitch, NLW enjoyed much success by intercepting passes into the wide channels and countering into the big gaps between our midfield and defence.

With Nosa still sitting at the top of the assist tree (just) and a potentially fruitful run of games to end the season, Paddock need to find their swagger today to go back into 4th on goal difference. Importantly, a victory would also prevent Newton-Le-Willow from taking away the rosette for "only team to beat Paddock twice" this season.

I expect another tough game today, similar to the St Helens win, with Paddock ultimately proving their class on a better pitch. I personally would love to see the red and white ruthless machine from earlier in the season plough through this team today. UTP.