ALL local eyes in the North West Counties League are focused on the First Division and Nelson’s push towards the title.

The Admirals are nine points clear of Formby but the Merseysiders have three games in hand and struck lucky on Wednesday night as they edged out Hanley Town thanks to a hotly-disputed stoppage time penalty, while third-placed Northwich – who have four games in hand on Nelson – coasted to a 4-1 win at Darwen to keep up the pressure.

However, Nelson boss Mark Fell knows his men’s destiny is in their own hands and they can take another step towards glory when Leek CSOB visit Victoria Park.

Darwen head to Oldham Boro, while in the Premier Division Colne are the area’s highest-placed side and welcome Runcorn Linnets to the XLCR Stadium, while Barnoldswick Town – who ended their own barren spell with a win over the Reds in midweek – aim for back-to-back wins when they host Stockport Sports.

Bacup and Rossendale Borough are in the drop zone and will look to make the most of their game in hand on the teams immediately above them when they face Winsford United at West View.