1874 Northwich take a break from their pursuit of promotion to the Northern Premier League to begin a fourth campaign in the FA Vase.

Their best run is to the third round two years ago.

A draw for the first round has pitted them against Billingham Synthonia, who play in the Northern League’s second division.

The visitors sit third after avoiding defeat in their first dozen matches, a sequence that ended after a 4-0 reverse at Durham City on Tuesday.

They have already won at Washington and Heaton Stannington, on both occasions by a single goal, to reach this stage.

Numbers game

1874 Northwich lost 3-1 at home to neighbours Congleton in midweek, but continued their run of scoring in every game to date this season.

Scott McGowan was on target against his former club, increasing his goal tally to 12 in 14 starts.

Billingham have played nine matches away from home so far, keeping a clean sheet in seven of them.

Man to keep an eye on

Rick Bailey

His impact as a substitute this cannot be underestimated with each of his three goals, against AFC Darwen, Barnton and West Didsbury, proving decisive.

He came off the bench to curve in a decisive goal against West Didsbury last weekend, settling the outcome of a contest that was heading for a goalless stalemate.

The former Congleton midfielder’s preference would, of course, be to start but his energy and willingness to run beyond 1874’s front men has been a weapon deployed successfully by manager Ian Street.

1874 team news

Ryan Jackson (knee) is ruled out by a knee injury, but full-back Paul Connor (ankle) is close to a return.

Route to this round

Billingham

2QR Heaton Stannington (a) W1-0

1QR Washington (a) W1-0

Form (past six matches in all competitions)

1874 L W W W W L

Billingham L W L W W W

Essential information

Address St Luke’s Barton Stadium, Wharton Road, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3AE

Kick off 3pm

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £4, Under 12s Free

Replay date Wednesday, October 26 (7.45pm)

Prize money £675