1874 Northwich’s occupation of top spot in the Premier Division may have ended by the time they start Saturday’s contest at Hanley.

Second-placed Atherton Collieries visit Irlam tonight, Friday, when a draw will be enough for them to take back first place in the table.

Ian Street’s side have enjoyed arguably their best week of the campaign, following a 4-1 thrashing of West Didsbury last weekend with a draw at old foes Runcorn Linnets.

They played for more than an hour of that contest with 10 men following Neil Chappell’s dismissal.

Hanley, promoted as Division One champions at the end of last season, sit eighth after an encouraging start to life at a higher level.

Numbers game

1874 Northwich, unbeaten in seven league matches following a draw at Runcorn Linnets in midweek, have beaten Hanley in each of their three previous meetings.

Hanley ended their own four-match sequence without a win in style last Saturday, when they put five goals past Padiham.

Man to keep an eye on

Stuart Wellstead

Showed his worth on Tuesday by supplying a driven cross from which Tom Bailey put 1874 Northwich in front at Runcorn Linnets.

The 31-year-old’s speed and work-rate make him a valuable foil to full-back Paul Connor on the right, both in attack and defence.

He also provides a balance in midfield that was missing when Neil Chappell filled in as a defensive tactic to nullify Linnets’ wide man Paul Shanley.

1874 team news

Defender Ryan Mitchell starts a three-match ban as punishment for his dismissal in a draw at Barnoldswick a fortnight ago.

Ryan Jackson (knee) is still awaiting a scan to assess an injury, while full-back Louis James is on holiday.

Manager Ian Street hopes to have at least one new signing – a forward – available to play.

Most recent meetings

Hanley 1-2 1874 (NWCFL Division One, March 25 2014)

1874 4-2 Hanley (NWCFL Division One, December 21 2013)

1874 3-2 Hanley (NWCFL Challenge Cup First Round, October 5 2013)

Form (past six all competitions)

Hanley W D L D L W

1874 D W W D W W

Essential information

Address Potteries Park, Abbey Lane, Bucknall, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST2 8AJ

Kick off 3pm