Simon Weaver faces former Assistant Manager John McDermott on Saturday afternoon as Harrogate Town travel to Alfreton.
McDermott was appointed at North Street in May and has so far guided The Reds to six places higher than the 18th position achieved in 2016/17.
A large part of Alfreton's struggles last season came in defence with The Reds shipping the division's most goals, but McDermott has overseen an improvement in that area, especially at home, where only Brackley have conceded less at their own ground.
The Derbyshire side's defensive frailties were on show last time the sides met as Town hit six at The CNG Stadium.
Simon Ainge grabbed four of the goals, while Warren Burrell and Joe Leesley also found the net to mark the the first time Town had beaten The Reds since 2007.
Victory at North Street almost ten years ago was the last time Town left Alfreton with all three points, though Harrogate's away form this season has been a marked improvement on previous years.
Seven wins from eight in all competitions, including six on the bounce away from home has propelled Town to being two points clear at the top of the league, while Weaver's side have scored two or more in every away game this campaign.
Saturday could see former players Brendon Daniels, Tom Platt, Luke Shiels and Chris Elliott line up against their former club, with the latter three making a combined 84 appearances in yellow and back last season.
On the other side, Leesley and Terry Kennedy are likely to come up against their former employers with Weaver having no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game.