Why should I watch..?

It’s a derby, and previous meetings between these two have usually served up a treat.

1874, stung after a 4-0 hammering by their landlords on Boxing Day, will be motivated to avenge that reverse.

They will want a return to winning ways too after losing to Atherton Collieries on Saturday.

That means they have won only one of their past five league games, while Winsford are without a victory in the same period.

However Blues’ performance at Colls last Monday, when they took the lead against the title-favourites, was a timely boost to their confidence.

 

Numbers game

Curiously, 1874 Northwich have won both previous derbies in the North West Counties League’s Premier Division when they have used the visitors’ dressing room, including a 3-0 success last season.

Blues haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their past dozen top-flight matches, since a 2-0 win against lowly Nelson at the start of February.

A victory for Lee Duckworth’s men would take them to 52 points – their tally to finish 14th last season.

 

Man to keep an eye on

Nathan Cotterell

The Winsford attacker is one of the most in-form players for either side, and increased his goal tally for the campaign to 20 in Blues’ narrow reverse at Atherton Collieries last time out.

He made an impact too as a substitute in a draw at AFC Darwen, scoring within seconds of his arrival as a substitute.

If player-manager Lee Duckworth opts for Kyle Riley and Jordan Johnson in attack, then he’ll likely start from a wide position on the left.

 

Winsford team news

Versatile midfielder Dale Jennings (hamstring) is ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining an injury in Blues’ 1-0 defeat against Runcorn Town.

Danny Egan (knee) is not ready to return, while Brandon Moores is ruled out too.

 

1874 team news

Paul Bowyer has said he hopes captain Mark Jones (ankle) and wide man Tyler Edwards could return from injury in time to face either Winsford or Barnton this week.

Danny Thomas (eye) and Ryan Jackson (knee) are long-term injury absentees.

 

Most recent meetings

1874 0-4 Winsford (NWCFL Premier Division, December 26 2016)

1874 2-2 Winsford (NWCFL Premier Division, April 20 2016)

Winsford 0-3 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, February 29 2016)

 

Form (past six league games)

Winsford L L D L L W

1874 L W D D L W

 

Standings

Winsford Pos13 P37 W14 D7 L16 F71 A74 Pts49

1874 Pos5 P38 W22 D7 L9 F72 A46 Pts73

 

Essential information

Date Monday, April 17

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

Kick off 3pm

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (OAP/NUS) £3, Under 21s £1