Why should I watch..?

Barnton need to kick-start their campaign after a slow start that has included an FA Cup exit and a home defeat against newly-promoted Charnock Richard.

What better incentive for them than spoiling an encouraging opening to a new campaign by their neighbours, who battled to a 1-0 win at Burscough on Saturday.

The teams were separated only by a single goal at the end of all three meetings last season, with a victory apiece in Premier Division encounters between them.

1874 start as favourites, but Barnton strikers Chris Smith and Jack Woolley have both proven already they are in form.

What they’ve said

“Barnton have lost two of their most experienced players in Matt Conkie and Danny Meadowcroft, both of them I know well.

“They’re organisers, and difficult to replace. Jack McKay can do that role, but he’s out too.

“I think Tuesday’s game will be a bit more open, but it’s a derby and they’ll want to make it hard for us.”

Matthew Woolley, 1874 Northwich midfielder

“1874 Northwich are a well-drilled side with good depth to their squad, and we’re aware of the threat they pose offensively.

“Their movement is fluid, and if you give their players space they’ll exploit it.

“They’ve proven already this season they can be clinical if you give them an opportunity.”

Steve Lloyd, Barnton manager

Numbers game

Barnton ended a sequence of three successive defeats against 1874 Northwich when they recorded a 1-0 win at Townfield in the teams’ previous meeting back in April.

Jason McShane scored the winner.

However the Villagers did lose on both visits to Barton Stadium last term, including a 2-1 reverse in an FA Cup tie.

Their two fixtures to date this term have yielded 14 goals.

Man to keep an eye on

Adam Whitlock

1874’s in-form attacker appears to be their man of the moment after scoring a decisive, if wind-assisted, winner at Burscough on Saturday.

That followed an impressive performance during an FA Cup replay success against Northwich Victoria in midweek, when he netted the opener in a 2-0 win.

His speed and direct dribbling poses a threat to a Barnton defence that has conceded nine goals in two competitive games to date.

1874 team news

1874 are boosted by the return of midfielder Jake Parker, who was unavailable for a 1-0 win at Burscough on Saturday.

Jack Lever should continue to deputise for the suspended Paul Connor at full-back.

Mark Jones (foot), Danny Thomas (knee) and Joe Woolley (knee) are all unlikely to feature until next month at the earliest, while Ryan Jackson (knee) is awaiting surgery later this month to correct a long-term injury.

Barnton team news

Former 1874 Northwich defender Jack McKay is ruled out by an ankle injury sustained in an FA Cup reverse at Parkgate last week.

Another face familiar to followers of tonight’s hosts, Adam Bayley, stands by.

Wide men Josh Crofts and Ryan Malone are close to a return, but neither is ready for a short trip to Winsford.

Following the unexpected departure of goalkeeper Connor Yarwood after a single game, coach Chris Kiernan may fill in.

Most recent meetings

Barnton 1-0 1874 Northwich (NWCFL Premier Division, April 19 2017)

1874 Northwich 2-1 Barnton (NWCFL Premier Division, October 4 2016)

1874 Northwich 2-1 Barnton (FA Cup extra preliminary round, August 6 2016)

Essential information

Kick off 7.45pm

Address Barton Stadium, Kingsway, Winsford CW7 3AE

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (OAP/Students) £4, Under 16s Free

Parking Free at the ground