PREVIEW: Free mince pies and mulled wine at Peterborough Northern Star, a massive match at Carter's Park, improving Stones take on the leaders

Star’s final home game of 2017 is a United Counties Premier Division cracker against in-form Wisbech Town at the Branch Bros Stadium.

Star are in decent form themselves. They won 4-2 at St Andrews last weekend to make it three games unbeaten under new manager Steve Wilson. James Hill-Seekings and Zak Munton both scored twice.

Star have another tough top-flight match at Deeping Rangers next Wednesday (December 27, 7.45pm) and they are hoping to attract bigger crowds to their homes games in 2018.

Chairman Tony Zirpolo said: “I would like to wish everyone connected with the football club a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. We can certainly look forward to 2018 with great hope.

“I would like to thank those who support us throughout the season. The club has long term goals and in the last couple of seasons the foundations have been laid which we hope will evolve to success. This is testament to the work being done by everyone.

“At the same time, we need more support to be able to push on and even though we have seen an increase in crowds this season it would be good to see more of the local community come and see what we are about, sample some non-league football and support us.

“It really is a team effort here at Star. I wish to thank all players and coaching staff who represent us at senior, ladies & junior level. As well as the number of volunteers who do a wonderful job behind the scenes in running the club. They have helped to grow the club to what it is today.

“Our many sponsors are also invaluable to us and again I thank them for their continued support over the past year and look forward to building on our already good relationships with them in 2017.

“There is an incredible amount of work being done by so many people around our club, much of which people don’t see, and I am grateful to everyone for playing their part in the club in trying to establish itself in the Peterborough area.

“As I’ve always said, you’re pushing an open door and if anyone feels they can benefit the club in any way, big or small, please get in touch with us as the club again faces many challenges in the year ahead.”

There’s a massive Premier Division derby at Carter’s Park tomorrow (December 23) when second-placed Holbeach United host fifth-placed Deeping Rangers (3pm).

“It’s a tough game for us,” Deeping boss Michael Goode admitted. “They are well organised whereas we have not been at our best, but we have to start a winning run if we are to keep in touch at the top.”

Holbeach are at third-placed Wisbech for another big game on Boxing Day (3pm).

Pinchbeck United’s seven point lead at the top of United Counties Division One will be challenged by improving Blackstones at Spalding United FC tonight (7.45pm).

Joint-manager Lee Clarke scored twice in a 5-0 Stones’ win over Stewarts & Lloyds last weekend, a third straight win.

Stones have another big derby date at Bourne on Boxing Day (1pm).

Yaxley are at home in the Premier Division to Eynesbury on Boxing Day (noon).

There are no Peterborough League matches until January 6.

FIXTURES

Friday, December 22

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Peterborough Northern Star v Wisbech Town (7.45pm).

Division One: Pinchbeck United v Blackstones (7.45pm).

Saturday, December 23

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Holbeach United v Deeping Rangers, Oadby Town v Yaxley.

Division One: Huntingdon Town v Harrowby United, Melton Town v Bourne Town.

EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE

Division One: Wisbech St Mary v Norwich United Reserves, Woodbridge Town v March Town United.

Tuesday, December 26

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Yaxley v Eynesbury Rovers (noon), Wisbech Town v Holbeach United (3pm).

Division One: Bourne Town v Blackstones (1pm).

EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE

Division One: March Town United Wisbech St Mary (11am).

Wednesday, December 27

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Deeping Rangers v Peterborough Northern Star (7.45pm).

Division One: Harrowby United v Pinchbeck United.