Why should I watch..?

To see if Barnton can bring an end to their hosts’ 11-match run without a defeat in the North West Counties League’s top-flight.

The Villagers have improved since the turn of the year, and made leaders Runcorn Linnets work hard for a 3-1 win at Townfield last Friday.

Steve Lloyd’s side still have only one victory on the board this season from Premier Division matches, although recording a second could propel them off the foot of the table.

Widnes have emerged as serious contenders for promotion since they appointed Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey as joint managers, and enter the weekend as the side closest to Linnets in the table.

What they’ve said

"I know what we'll get from a Steve Lloyd side; he sets up well and his players always work hard as a minimum.

"I think that they'll come here and make it difficult for us.

“They won't want to let us play, and so I'm expecting a really tough game."

Kevin Towey, Widnes co-manager

“The games aren’t getting any easier, are they?

“Widnes are among the form teams in the league, and I’ll be looking for us to demonstrate the same character we did against Runcorn Linnets last week.

“That game was wide open until the final 15 minutes, and the lads worked hard from the first whistle.

“It’s critical we play with the same intensity again this weekend.”

Steve Lloyd, Barnton manager

Numbers game

Widnes have won 10 of their past 11 North West Counties League fixtures, climbing to second spot in the table

Man to keep an eye on

Jack Woolley

The front man has found the net for Barnton in each of their past two matches, signalling his return to form following an injury lay-off.

His fine goal against Runcorn Linnets last time out put the Villagers in front, and their performance was encouraging despite the league leaders eventually running out 3-1 winners at Townfield.

Barnton team news

Patrick Hamid starts a suspension following his dismissal in a 4-1 defeat at Charnock Richard last month.

However wide men Ryan Malone and Brandon Moores are both available again for selection.

Midfielder Jason McShane has left this week to sign for North West Counties League Division One side Litherland REMYCA.

Form guide (past six in league)

Widnes W W D W W W

Barnton L L D L L L

Previous meetings

Barnton 2-2 Widnes (NWCFL Premier Division, October 11 2017)

Widnes 1-3 Barnton (NWCFL Division One, December 19 2015)

Barnton 0-1 Widnes (NWCFL Division One, September 16 2015)

Essential information

When Saturday, February 10

Kick-off 3pm

Address Select Security Stadium, Lower House Lane, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 7DZ

Admission Adults £5, Concessions £3, Accompanied under 16s Free

Parking Available for free at the ground