SQUIRES Gate aim to defy expectation tomorrow and complete a league double over 1874 Northwich.

The Blackpool-based outfit were comfortable 4-1 winners when the teams met in August, and have made a name for themselves as a nuisance for the Premier Division’s leading teams since.

Danny Penswick’s men have already beaten leaders Bootle twice, and collected a point after 1-1 draws on trips to both Atherton Collieries and Runcorn Town.

“We’re excelled in games like this so far and I’m hoping for more of the same,” the manager told his club’s official website.

“It’s an opportunity for us to have a right good go at one of the so-called bigger clubs.

“They’ll be expected to win, and with that will come added pressure.

“With a decent crowd on, I’m hoping we can raise our game.”

The visitors to St Luke’s Barton Stadium will have to improve significantly on their performance in a 2-1 defeat at home to Abbey Hey last weekend – their second in succession in front of their own fans.

Their away form has been more encouraging; that draw at Runcorn Town on New Year’s Eve was preceded by a 2-0 win at Bootle.

They also lost narrowly on high-scoring trips to AFC Liverpool (4-5) and Runcorn Linnets (3-4).

Penswick added: “Last Saturday should serve as a wake-up call; it’s not good playing well for the odd 20-minute spell here and there and turning up for the big games.”