Why should I watch..?

It’s a contest that is genuinely too close to call.

Northwich Victoria are preparing for a fourth competitive game of a new season, while Widnes are still waiting for the start of the Northern Premier League campaign after making their bow in the FA Cup.

The consensus after Saturday’s game was that a draw was the right result and that as a spectacle the expected fireworks didn’t materialise.

That could change after an initial examination of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

A trip to Burscough is a reward up for grabs for the victors following their penalty shoot-out success against 1874 Northwich – in another extra preliminary round replay – on Tuesday.

What they’ve said

“I think both teams can make a case they had chances to win at the first time of asking.

“It’s all to play for on Wednesday night, and I’m expecting an entertaining game – something that was made difficult on Saturday due to a hard pitch.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

Man to keep an eye on

Danny Taberner

The goalkeeper made his debut for Vics, after Ryan Neild started the previous two games, in Saturday’s tie at Townfield.

Had to recover from the disappointment of conceding a penalty inside the first five minutes, from which Widnes took the lead, and did so by stopping everything else thrown at him in the contest’s remainder.

He will be hopeful of having another chance to impress.

Vics team news

Billy Webb (thigh) and Matty Clarke (leg) are both ruled out by injury.

Brian Matthews (ankle) is closer to a return, and may be considered for a place on the bench.

Everybody else is available, including Joe Camozzi who flew back form a holiday early to take part in a first meeting between the teams.

Form (all competitions)

Vics D L W

Widnes D

Last season’s league meetings

Widnes 4-0 Vics (April 20, 2018)

Vics 2-2 Widnes (October 7, 2017)

Essential information

When Wednesday, August 15 2018

Kick off 7.45pm

Address Witton Albion FC, Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s £2, Under 12s Free (if accompanied by paying adult)

Prize money £2,250 (winners), £750 (losers)

Next round (August 25) Burscough (a)