Why should I watch..?

To see if Witton Albion can see off higher-ranked opponents.

Spennymoor Town, fifth in National League North after winning four of their past five matches, arrive in Northwich in fine form and expecting to progress.

However they will be greeted by hosts that are unbeaten in six matches at Wincham Park this season.

Albion are the only side from mid Cheshire still in this season’s competition, and are seeking to reach the third qualifying round for the first time since 2011-2012.

Coincidentally, a 3-1 win against Spennymoor was part of that run under Brian Pritchard.

What they’ve said

“We go into this game with confidence high after the past couple of performances but fully expecting an extremely testing afternoon.

“Spennymoor are in good form, and we’ll have to be at our best to beat them.

“However this side has proved time and again they love a big occasion and often rise to it.”

Gary Martindale, Witton Albion manager

Numbers game

Witton are making their 100th appearance in the FA Cup. Curiously, they haven’t progressed to the third qualifying round since the last time they played Spennymoor in the competition seven years ago

Witton team news

Albion will wait until the last possible moment before deciding on the involvement of Anthony Gardner.

The full-back hasn’t played since sustaining an ankle injury during a victory against Bottesford at the previous stage.

Tom Owens continues to convalesce, and won’t be available for another fortnight or so, while a wait continues for international clearance to complete the signings of Shane Williams and Will Booth.

Man to keep an eye on

Matty Devine

The full-back is in a rich vein of form, and has already scored twice for Witton this season.

He was among their most impressive performers too against Gainsborough Trinity last weekend when Carl Macauley’s men shut out in-form opponents during a goalless stalemate.

Devine’s contribution, in both directions, continues to be important if his side is to enjoy a success.

Form (past six in all competitions)

Witton W D L W D L

Spennymoor W W D W W L

Route to this round

Witton 1QR bt Bottesford (h) 5-0

Spennymoor Exempt

Last season in FA Cup

Witton First Qualifying Round

Spennymoor Second Qualifying Round

Odds (Betfair)

Witton 20/21

Draw 19/10

Spennymoor 4/9

Remember when…?

Witton took on Spennymoor in an FA Cup third qualifying round tie in October 2011?

Brian Pritchard’s side, then playing in the Northern Premier League’s First Division North, fell behind when Jamie Harwood converted from Stephen Capper’s cross.

However Witton rallied to lead by the break thanks to goals from Ollie James and Anthony Sheehan – both of them laced with good fortune.

The Moors were denied a leveller when Daniel Moore’s header struck the crossbar before Alex Titchiner settled the outcome with time running out.

The Guardian was there, and this is how we reported it: Witton 3-1 Spennymoor: match report

Essential information

When Saturday, September 22

Kick-off 3pm

Address Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £10, Concessions £7, Under 21s £5, Under 16s £2

Replay date Tuesday, September 25 (ko 7.45pm)

Prize money £9,000