Why should I watch..?

To see if Vics can become the latest side to deny promoted Whitchurch Alport a first victory since they were promoted from the North West Counties League’s second tier at the end of last season.

Steve Wilkes’ side travels to Shropshire in high spirits after winning their past three games in all competitions, including a success against Maltby Main in the FA Vase last weekend.

Brian Matthews was on target in that game, as he had been in the previous two, and is starting to show signs of the ruthless streak in front of goal that took him beyond 30 goals last term.

Alport were eliminated from the FA Vase following an extra-time defeat against Shepshed Dynamo that featured a goal from debutant Clayton McDonald.

What they’ve said

“Whitchurch haven’t perhaps had the start they’d have liked, but we have to be ready for them raising their game against us.

“It’s something we’ve had to grow used to.

“But we go there with spirits high after what I felt was a brilliant team performance [against Maltby Main].

“We could, perhaps should, have won by more and it’s always nice when an opposing manager compliments yours as the best side they’ve played this season.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

Numbers game

Vics are seeking to win three successive league games for the first time in almost a year. They collected maximum points from games against Barnoldswick (3-1), AFC Liverpool (4-2) and Abbey Hey (2-1) between October 28 and November 11 last year

It’s an important afternoon for…

Antony Shinks

With Kieron Kenny again unavailable, the former Runcorn Town man has an opportunity to strengthen his hold on a place in defence alongside Brandon Barski.

He has been a fixture in a sequence that has featured wins against Abbey Hey, Hanley and Maltby Main – helping secureda clean-sheet against the Northern Counties East League high-fliers.

Vics team news

Billy Webb is available again after returning from a holiday.

However defender Kieron Kenny is away and missed the next two games with a trip to neighbours Winsford United in the diary for Monday night.

Regan Jarrett (shin) is hoping to have recovered from an injury so he can feature.

Form guide (past six games in all competitions)

Whitchurch L L L W L L

Vics W W W D D L

Last season’s meeting

Whitchurch 1-1 Vics (Macron Cup, October 16 2017) NB. Vics won 5-4 on penalties

Essential information

When Saturday, September 22

Kick-off 3pm

Address Yockings Park, Black Park Road, Whitchurch SY13 1PG

Admission Adults £5, Concessions (including under 16s) £3, Under 10s Free

Parking Available at the ground for free