Local bragging rights are on the line this Saturday as Preston Grasshoppers make the trip across Lancashire to face their most competitive local rivals Fylde, with both sides arriving at The Woodlands on the back of opening-day victories.

Fylde started the new National League 2 North campaign with an impressive 17–7 away win at Billingham, whilst Hoppers had to work harder for their points, edging newly promoted Heath 27–26 at Lightfoot Green, starman Sam Freeman securing the win at the death

Fylde finished sixth in National League 2 North last season, with a total of 79 points from 26 matches. Their record of 13 wins, three draws and 10 defeats produced a points difference of +132.

In their season opener last week, Chris Briers' side went scoreless in the first 40 before 2nd half tries from Dan Slawson and Gabe Maguire turned the game on its head to give Fylde the opening day success.

It's also set to be a big occasion for Hoppers forward Scott Richardson who will be making his 100th appearance for the club since joining in the 2022/23 season.

Head Coach Dan Orwin described Richardson as an 'incredibly durable and hardworking back row forward'.

Hoppers will be looking to build on last weeks win as well as form from the back end of last season with wins in five of their last six matches.

That strong finish is one reason Preston head coach Dan Orwin has set his sights considerably higher this season. Ahead of the campaign, Orwin said the club believed it could challenge towards the top of the table if it could reproduce the consistency shown towards the end of 2025–26, while also pointing to the arrival of several new players including Josh Ree, Matt Sturgess and Mark Jennings who all starred last weekend.

On the game on Saturday Orwin said: "We are looking forward to the challenge."

He added: "We have prepped well and are looking to build on a gritty, determined win against Heath last week. Fylde are a strong team, with big aspirations and we will need to get the nuts and bolts of our game right if we are to come away with the win."

The encounters between the sides last year were tight, the first a 20–24 defeat, before the return fixture at The Woodlands finished 22–22 in December with Hoppers trailing heavily at the half before a spirited comeback rescued points for Orwin's side in a game which Hoppers really could've won.

With both clubs already on the board after round one, Saturday is less about avoiding an early-season setback and more about establishing momentum. A second consecutive victory would put either side firmly among the early contenders with the return fixture at Lightfoot Green the last before the break for the festive period.