Why should I watch..?

1874 Northwich will hope to build on a midweek win against Maine Road by beating table-toppers Atherton Collieries.

The teams are separated by 15 points at kick off, but started the campaign with similar ambitions.

However a narrow 1-0 defeat for tomorrow’s hosts in the return game stalled their challenge, and proved to be the beginning of the end for manager Ian Street – who stood down the following month.

Paul Bowyer, his number two, and first-team coach Wayne Goodison have been in interim charge since.

Together they have lost only one of their six games at the helm, although Saturday will be their biggest test.

Numbers game

1874 Northwich have lost their past three meetings with Atherton Collieries, including on two previous occasions this season.

They have yet to beat their rivals in Winsford.

Colls arrive in town as favourites to be promoted as champions after winning five of their past six Premier Division fixtures.

Man to keep an eye on

Jordan Bove

Bowyer and Goodison have put their faith in the striker by handing him a start in the past two games.

He also scored during a cameo as a substitute when holders 1874 brushed aside Witton Albion in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Cup semi-finals last month – the duo’s first match in charge.

A meeting with Colls, the champions-elect, provides the 21-year-old with an opportunity to shine.

1874 team news

Captain Mark Jones (ankle) will again be missing from the hosts’ midfield, while wide-man Tyler Edwards (groin) is not yet ready to return either.

Danny Thomas (eye) and Ryan Jackson (knee) are long-term injury absentees.

Most recent meetings

Colls 1-0 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, February 18 2017)

1874 0-3 Colls (FA Vase Second Round, November 12 2016)

1874 1-3 Colls (NWCFL Premier Division, December 5 2015)

Form (past six league games)

1874 W D D L W L

Colls W W W L W W

Standings

1874 Pos5 P37 W22 D7 L8 F71 A44 Pts73

Colls Pos1 P37 W28 D4 L5 F92 A35 Pts88

Essential information

Address St Luke’s Barton Stadium, Wharton Road, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3AE

Kick off 3pm

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (OAP/NUS) £4, Under 12s Free