PAUL Bowyer has said 1874 Northwich players start a new season in better physical condition, and that should help them last the distance in tomorrow’s FA Cup tie against Northwich Victoria.

They began preparations for the campaign in June, and have played eight friendlies.

“We wanted to be fitter, and training has gone as well as we’d planned in that respect,” he said.

“The lads know what is expected of them, and their response has been positive.

“We’ve tried out different things and while availability is always a challenge at this time of year with guys away on holiday or juggling work commitments, we’re pretty much where we expected to be.”

An impressive win over Glossop in a friendly last weekend has boosted confidence but Bowyer, appointed as co-manager with Wayne Goodison in April, cautioned there is improvement to be made.

Their team ran out 3-0 victors thanks to goals from youngsters Adam Whitlock and Taylor Kennerley either side of a defender deflecting Scott McGowan’s cross into his own net.

“We’re going into the Vics game on a high, and that’s good timing," he said.

“I wouldn’t attach too much significance to the result [against Glossop], but it’s definitely put us in a positive frame of mind for what is a big game.

“The task now is to play as we know we can when it matters, and that starts on Saturday.

“If there are any lads in doubt about what it means to play for this club, then they’ll find out then.

“It’s a great draw in lots of ways, and it should focus attention straightaway.

“That ought to be the case whoever we’re playing because it’s a cup tie but there’s definitely an extra bit of intrigue because it’s against Vics.”

1874 won both meetings between the teams last term, including a 1-0 win to retain a Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup title they had claimed the previous season.

Bowyer dismisses the relevance of those victories though, pointing to the changes in personnel at both clubs since.

He added: “They’ve brought in new players, and so have we.

“They’re a little bit of an unknown quantity for us as a result, and it’s difficult to learn too much from friendlies.

“We may need to be flexible, and to adapt during the game, but that’s something we’ve worked on this summer.”

Ryan Jackson will definitely play no part while he waits for an operation on a long-term knee injury.

Joe Woolley (knee) and Mark Jones (foot) are doubts too while newcomer Lee Jackson, a defender, is unavailable.