National One: Ampthill are on top as the early race for promotion continues to hot up

With National One as close as it is already this season, Round Six adds an extra spice to proceedings. 

This week sees four of the top six sides take on each other and two of the bottom four.

Ampthill & District v Blackheath

Early league leaders Ampthill are the only side with an unbeaten record this season. They welcome 3rd placed Blackheath to Dillingham Park which will be the A's toughest test since being promoted.

'Heath have won their last four games and will be heading to Milton Keynes full of confidence.

Hartpury College v Cinderford

Another side currently in a rich vein of form are Hartpury College who are second in the table after four straight wins. They host a Cinderford side who suffered a crucial loss at Loughborough Students last week to add to their woes this season. 

The visitors are already in one of the relegation places and Hartpury know they could go top on Saturday. 

Fylde v Rosslyn Park

The early title race took another twist last Saturday as Rosslyn Park were beaten by Blackheath. Park will be hoping for an immediate response as they travel to the North-West this weekend to take on a Fylde side who have made a spluttering start to this campaign.

The hosts are still waiting for their new squad and management to gel which was evident in their second half performance against Hull Ionians last week.

Hull Ionians v Coventry 

Speaking of The I's, they welcome sixth placed Coventry to Brantingham Park this Saturday. The hosts suffered their first home defeat in 17 against Rosslyn Park. Two weeks ago, but Coventry will still have to be at their best to come away with the points from Humberside. The Blues bounced back from two straight defeats last Saturday with a win against Plymouth Albion last week.

Plymouth Albion v Esher

Plymouth Albion are back on home soil as they face Esher who claimed a very good win at Richmond last weekend. Albion are starting to find their feet in this division after relegation last year and will be hoping to make it three straight home wins. Esher will be a tough assignment as they have won their last three overall.

Richmond v Blaydon

Richmond will be hoping their defeat to Esher was a blip as they host bottom side Blaydon this Saturday.  It is a surprise to see Blaydon propping up this division and with them currently short on confidence, Richmond will fancy their chances this weekend, 

Loughborough Students v Henley Hawks

After two straight wins, Loughborough Students have moved up to 11th and take on Henley Hawks on Saturday - another team which has settled well after promotion from National Two.  The Hawks are playing well at the minute and that was highlighted by their draw at Ampthill a few weeks ago. This will be a close match in the Midlands.

Wharfedale v Darlington Mowden Park

This all Northern affair sees Wharfedale host a Darlington side that have found it difficult so far this season as they wait for their relatively new side to click. Dale are just two places above DMP & even though we are just five weeks into the season, this could be a key fixture in the fight for survival come April.