TABLE-topping Nelson could lose top striker Kiko Rodriguez after UniBond side Ossett Town put seven days notice on him.

Rodriguez has scored seven goals this season since his move from the West Lancs League in October and has helped the NWCL Division Two side build up a six point gap at the top of the table.

"We'll have a chat this week and see what happens.

"These things happen in football and if he goes, we'll just have to get someone in to replace him," said a philosophical boss John Bailey.

Meanwhile the Blues are preparing for a huge game tonight when they make the short trip to fellow promotion hopefuls Squires Gate.

The Blues currently lead the third placed team by eight points but the Preston side do have two games in hand and will be hoping to close the gap.

"They'll think they are still in with a chance but we're not thinking about who we are playing.

"We know we have just got to keep picking up the points."

Nelson are unbeaten in 17 league games -- their latest run of 11 wins has been followed by two draws.

"The draws do seem disappointing after all those wins but it is in our hands and that is the way we like it. There's still along way to go, 14 games and we are in a good position provided we can avoid injuries and suspensions."

Scott Gizon (ankle) and Craig Hefferman (chest) are doubts but the good news is Craig Whittaker will be making his long awaited return from Australia.

Meanwhile, Nelson playmaker Kieron Roberts has just two weeks left before he returns to coach in Massachusetts.

"That is a major blow as he came in December and has probably been our man of the match in the last four or five games but we knew he would be going back," added Bailey.

Accrington Stanley are also in action tonight, welcoming Burscough to the Crown Ground in the UniBond Premier Division.

The two sides fought out a goalless encounter in their earlier League meeting and will be aiming to get some goals tonight as Stanley bid to finish as high up the table as possible.

Meanwhile in NWCL Division One, FA Vase semi-finalists Clitheroe will have to refocus on the league as they travel to Abbey Hey.

Dave Burgess's men still have their sights set on clinching promotion to the UniBond League and a victory is vital.

Ramsbottom have their own hopes of making an impact at the top of the table and, after firing five in on Saturday, they welcome Glossop North End to the Riverside. It will be there first home game since the death of manager Ken Bridge.

And Rossendale will be hoping to extend their seven game unbeaten run but they have a tough match against second placed Fleetwood Freeport at Dark Lane.

Freeport are in the strongest position to clinch the top spot, trailing leaders Salford by one point but having a massive seven games in hand on the pacesetters. Rossendale, however, have their own hopes of a late charge. In Division Two, Bacup welcome Castleton to West View while Darwen entertain Alsager.