Why should I watch..?

Two of the Premier Division’s best teams, able to boast of one of the North West Counties League’s best strikers apiece, go head-to-head in a knockout tie – what’s not to like?

1874 will have home advantage, and the benefit of an unblemished record in seven previous meetings between the teams.

However West have reinforced their squad over the summer, and former Northwich favourite Tom Bailey is among their new recruits.

Both sides played out a 3-3 draw in midweek – 1874 at home to Barnton and West at promotion –favourites Bootle – and are likely to commit to attack again on Saturday.

There is an added incentive too; neither side has previously reached the first qualifying round.

What they’ve said

“I expect an open game, and for both teams to try and get through at the first attempt.

“West Didsbury have a reputation for scoring goals, but they’ve conceded a few as well and that’s something we’ll try to exploit.

“Both teams have changed quite a bit since last season, so I’m not convinced what’s happened in previous meetings between us matters all that much.”

Paul Bowyer, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 have won all seven previous meetings with West Didsbury, including a North West Counties League Premier Division double last season.

If selected, attacker Sam Hind will make his 50th appearance for 1874 since switching from Abbey Hey last summer.

Man to keep an eye on

Scott McGowan

Perhaps the in-form striker in the North West Counties League during the first fortnight of a new campaign after scoring five times in four appearances.

He scored three of those during a midweek draw with Barnton.

The former Congleton front man has stepped into shoes vacated by Tom Bailey – who will be an opponent this weekend – in impressive fashion, and is enjoying himself in a side creating plenty of chances.

Northwich Guardian:

Striker Scott McGowan has been among 1874 Northwich's best peformers during the opening fortnight of a new season, scoring five goals in four appearances. Picture: Ian Dutton

1874 team news

Paul Connor is still serving a suspension, so Jack Lever continues to deputise at full-back.

Meanwhile Aaron Clayton expects to have recovered from an illness that prevented him from any involvement in midweek.

1874 are also without longer-term injury absentees Mark Jones (foot), Danny Thomas and Joe Woolley (both knee) while wide man Ryan Jackson is due to have surgery on his knee next week.

Remember when…

1874 met West Didsbury & Chorlton in an FA Cup tie two years ago?

Neil Chappell scored twice in the opening period for the hosts at Barton Stadium during an extra preliminary round tie switched to a Friday night because landlords Winsford United had a home game the next day.

Ryan Jackson’s goal in stoppage time added gloss to a 3-0 victory for Ian Street’s men.

Click here to see how the Guardian reported it.

Most recent meetings

West 0-1 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, October 15 2016)

1874 4-1 West (NWCFL Premier Division, September 10 2016)

1874 1-0 West (NWCFL Premier Division, November 3 2015)

Essential information

Address St Luke’s Barton Stadium, Kingsway, Winsford CW7 3AE

Kick off 3pm

Replay date Tuesday, August 22 (ko 7.45pm)

Prize money £1,925

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