Match Preview: Stretford Paddock v St Helens

Stretford Paddock will be taking on St Helens away from home in what promises to be a tight showdown. Both teams will be looking to secure a crucial victory as they approach the end of the season. Promotion is now mathematically impossible for Paddock but securing both wins at the end of the season is important for any additional spots that might open up in Division 1.

Paddock's top scorer this season has been striker Callum Walsh (14), who has been in fantastic form in front of goal of late. With his clinical finishing ability and creativity, Walsh will be looking to contribute to a reds victory any way he can.

On the opposing side, the top scorer for the visiting team is Ryan Cook, who has been a key player for his side throughout the season. Cook has been involved heavily this season with 19 appearances and contributing 9 goals.

In terms of recent form, Stretford Paddock have been on a solid run of results, with a string of wins and draws in their last few matches. In comparison to their standards though they will assess recent dropped points as missed opportunities to still be in the automatic promotion battle. On the other hand, the visiting team has had a mixed run of results having picked up just 6 points from their last six outtings. Both teams will be determined to bounce back from their previous defeats and put in a strong performance.

Both teams are defensively strong and organised so I expect this to be a tight game with the odd goal determining who comes away with the points. Paddock winning one nil a few weeks ago in the reverse fixture demonstrates this and I expect them to clinch the three points today. They will be made to work very hard for those to keep that top three spot alive. UTP