With ten NPL East matches remaining in the season, the Miners will aim to finish the campaign strongly after consistently proving their worth in the division for the last eight months. Back in December, a hard-fought 1-1 draw against upcoming opponents Belper Town split the spoils in the reverse fixture, yet Garforth has the potential to go one step further at the Raygar Stadium.
Belper currently sit 3rd in the table in comparison to the Miners in 8th, however a recent poor spell of one win in eight matches for the Nailers has wobbled the solidity of a guaranteed play-off spot for the side. Somewhat of an injury crisis for manager Lee Attenborough's side has reflected in an indifferent spell of results for the Derbyshire outfit.
With the likes of Newton Aycliffe and Stocksbridge Park Steels only four and five points behind them respectively, this late slump must be rectified in order to keep their chance of escaping the division alive.
Last weekend, the Nailers drew 1-1 with Consett AFC following a goal and later red card for Belper's Nathan Whitehead - subsequently ruling the midfielder out of the Miners clash on Saturday. NPL East joint-top scorer Harry Draper failed to add to his total of 17 against Consett but he possesses an unrivalled striking ability at this level which can never be overlooked.
Furthermore, Belper have made the signing of striker Jannai Gordon from step 3 side Banbury United ahead of the Garforth game. The addition seems to have been made by Lee Attenborough to bolster his attacking options heading into a tense tail-end period and to combat his injury-stricken selection issues.
Returning to Garforth, a 2-0 defeat at the hands of league leaders Cleethorpes Town last weekend had moments of Miners' brilliance which could've prevented the outcome on another day. If anything, it proved how Paul Marshall's side have narrowed the quality gap with the top teams in the division to only fine margins.
After a collision in that match, Alex Zahariou was withdrawn from play with a dislocation of some description; the extent of the injury isn't known but likely may rule him out of the Nailers encounter. On a more positive note, new signing Ewan Gregson featured against Cleethorpes and quickly demonstrated himself as a threat from the flanks.
Looking ahead to Belper, the Miners have the chance to pull off an upset against one of the strongest sides in the division and further cement their high league finish.
Kick Off is at 3pm