Preston Grasshoppers are back on the road this weekend as they travel to Wharfedale in National League 2 North, determined to turn encouraging performances into points. Despite last Saturday’s narrow defeat to Tynedale — a high-scoring contest that could easily have gone the other way — there were plenty of positives for Hoppers to build on. Their attacking shape looked sharp and they showed real character, pushing one of the division’s stronger sides right to the wire.

In the league table, Preston remain in the lower half but within touching distance of the teams above them, meaning a positive result at The Avenue could quickly shift momentum and lift them a place or two. With the margins so fine in recent weeks, there is a growing sense that a performance of the same intensity — combined with improved accuracy at key moments — could deliver a much-needed win.

The reverse fixture earlier in the season will also provide belief. Hoppers edged a thrilling encounter between the sides, coming out on top in a high-scoring game that showcased their attacking threat. Knowing they have already beaten Wharfedale this campaign should give the squad confidence heading into Saturday’s challenge.

Wharfedale have enjoyed a solid season and sit comfortably above Preston in the standings, but Hoppers will travel with renewed optimism. If they can reproduce last weekend’s energy and take their chances, there is every reason to believe they can return from Yorkshire with a result that kick-starts the next phase of their campaign.