WITH potentially a second automatic promotion place from the North West Counties League’s top-flight up for grabs, 1874 Northwich have an added incentive this term.

A side managed by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison also faces probably the sternest competition with promoted Widnes and City of Liverpool expected to mount a challenge for top spot.

With a 23-strong Premier Division appearing stronger than ever, there is plenty for 1874 supporters to look forward to.

Here are our top five picks from last night’s fixture release:

Northwich Victoria v 1874 Northwich

Tuesday, October 3 (kick off 7.45pm)

A FIRST league meeting between the sides will inevitably prompt contemplation of the two clubs’ relative trajectories.

When members of Northwich Victoria Supporters’ Trust voted overwhelmingly in favour of forming their own team in 2012, Vics were playing in the Northern Premier League’s second tier following an enforced demotion from that competition’s Premier Division at the end of the previous season.

Last term they were relegated again, and play at the lowest level in the club’s history this time around.

The result of an FA Cup tie between the sides in August may influence the mood around their next encounter, as will their positions in the table two months on.

1874 Northwich v Runcorn Linnets

Saturday, October 7 (kick off 3pm)

PERHAPS the first fixture followers of both sides will have searched for when their respective calendars were published last night.

1874 have a poor record against their rivals from down the road, failing to win any of their six previous meetings.

Four of those have ended in victory for Linnets.

The most emphatic of those was in last season’s corresponding game, when a 4-1 win for the visitors against their 10-man hosts prompted Ian Street to stand down as Northwich manager after the final whistle.

An October date is unlikely to be as decisive, but it will be an early guide to the teams’ prospects of making a step up to the Northern Premier League.

1874 Northwich v Congleton Town

Tuesday, October 10 (kick off 7.45pm)

THE return of Ian Street.

His place in 1874’s history is secure; as the club’s first manager, he also led them to a maiden success in a final when they beat Witton Albion in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup.

However he departed in acrimonious circumstances following a home hammering against Runcorn Linnets back in March.

He was appointed by Congleton earlier this summer, and brings a Bears side likely to include a number of former Northwich players to St Luke’s Barton Stadium.

In the opposite dugout, Bowyer and Goodison will attempt to mastermind a victory over their old boss.

It’s a game that brings to an end a testing seven-day run for 1874 following clashes with Vics and Linnets.

AFC Liverpool v 1874 Northwich

Wednesday, November 15 (kick off 7.45pm)

IT may not at first seem an obvious choice, but it is fitting that 1874 are scheduled to play on the fifth anniversary of the club’s formation.

That they take on a fellow supporter-owned outfit is a happy coincidence too.

Northwich have won only two of their previous half-dozen encounters with Reds, although one of those was in last season’s corresponding fixture when Tom Bailey netted the only goal.

Both teams are under new management this time around after Chris Stammers replaced Kevin Dally at Liverpool, who continue to play their home games at the Marine Travel Arena in Crosby.

Winsford United v 1874 Northwich

Tuesday, December 26 (kick off 3pm)

A DERBY duel with Blues on Boxing Day has become a tradition in recent seasons, and this term will be no different.

However 1874 hope desperately that the outcome of their next meeting is in contrast to a 4-0 thrashing they received in 2016.

They at least exacted revenge by winning in similarly emphatic fashion in the return at Easter.

However Lee Duckworth’s side seems to save their best performances for a Christmas clash with the tenants; both of their previous wins against Northwich have been in a December fixture.