Why should I watch..?

To see if Witton can pick up where they left off in an encouraging draw with Stourbridge last time out.

That was a fortnight ago, and Carl Macauley’s men haven’t played a competitive fixture since.

They have improved in front of their own supporters, and have beaten Workington and then Coalville at Wincham Park in their past two Premier Division games there.

Albion will be favourites to beat opponents that have lost four of their past six games, including successive 3-0 reverses against Ashton United and then Nantwich Town in their past two league outings.

What they’ve said

“There are some lads who have been glad of a breather so they can recover from knocks and niggles, while others that have been on the bench more often need minutes on the field.

“They really didn’t want a rest!”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

“As a team we’ve got to man up.

“It’s okay wanting to win, but the difference is going into a game and really wanting to.

“Last season we had 11 players crawling off the pitch at the end of a game, and I’m not sure that we’ve been getting that.”

Glenn Kirkwood, Matlock Town co-manager

Numbers game

Witton are hoping to record three successive home wins in the Northern Premier League for the first time this season

Witton team news

Carl Macauley has a full-strength squad to pick from.

Captain Anthony Brown is available again after serving a one-match ban, while defensive duo Matty Devine and Michael Wilson both trained without complaint on Thursday after hamstring and rib injuries respectively.

Matlock team news

Callum Lloyd starts a suspension following his dismissal in a defeat against Nantwich last weekend.

The Gladiators rate full-back Micky Harcourt (hip) as 50-50, but expect Michael Williams (back) to be involved.

Joe Doyle-Charles is available again after a ban.

Man to keep an eye on

Owen Dale

The teenage wide-man made an encouraging debut at Stourbridge after arriving at Wincham Park on an initial month-long loan from Crewe Alexandra.

He adds speed and dribbling to a midfield that has appeared narrow, particularly on the left, this season.

Form guide (past six in league)

Witton D L W W L L

Matlock L L W W L L

Most recent meetings

Matlock 3-0 Witton (NPL Premier Division, January 24 2015)

Witton 1-3 Matlock (NPL Premier Division, October 11 2014)

Matlock 0-1 Witton (NPL Premier Division, April 5 2014)

Remember when…?

Witton beat Matlock on home turf to progress to the Northern Premier League Premier Division promotion play-offs final.

It was more than 10 years ago, and Mike Moseley leapt high in extra time to finally end Matlock’s challenge before Adam Warlow’s goal sealed a 4-2 victory.

Jim Vince’s side had missed out on the title in the most agonising circumstances the previous Saturday, when they failed to score enough goals in a win against lowly Frickley to prevent Burscough from claiming first prize.

The Guardian was there, and here is our report.

Odds (Betway)

Witton 5/6

Draw 11/4

Matlock 9/4

Essential information

When Saturday, November 18

Kick-off 3pm

Address Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £10, Concessions (OAP/Students) £7, Under 18s £3, Members of HM Armed Forces Free

Parking Free at the ground