Why should I watch..?

To see which of these in-form sides can continue what is already their best ever run in the FA Vase.

1874 Northwich prepared in the best possible way by beating neighbours Northwich Victoria in a North West Counties League fixture in midweek.

Adam Whitlock and Scott McGowan scored in a 2-0 win that propelled their side into the Premier Division table’s top 10.

They return tomorrow to Wincham Park, home of Witton Albion, to see if they can repeat a victory on neutral turf at the previous stage against Pontefract Collieries.

Chichester travel north from West Sussex in similarly impressive form after winning five successive matches since a surprise defeat against Pagham on Boxing Day.

They prevailed on an away trip in the fourth round too, when they eliminated Horley.

What they’ve said

“We’ll have to perform better than we did in the previous round if we want this run to continue, and I know we can.

“I’m not really interested in a debate about who is the underdog or not; if home advantage makes us slight favourites, then I’m ok with that.

“The lads are excited, and that’s the way it should be when you have an opportunity to play at this stage of a national competition.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

“We’ll go up there and give it our best shot.

“We’re not expecting an easy game at all, and we know Northwich will be a very strong side.

“They’ve made lots of signings recently too, and we know that we’ve got a very tough game ahead.

“I go into games wanting to be an underdog because I always played games like that. It brings the best out in some people”.

Miles Rutherford, Chichester City manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich have now won 14 of their past 15 matches in all competitions, a sequence that started following a 4-2 league defeat at Abbey Hey back on October 17

Man to keep an eye on

Greg Hall

Produced one of his best performances of the season during a 3-1 win against Pontefract Collieries at the previous stage.

The goalkeeper commanded his penalty area with authority, and distributed the ball quickly and accurately to launch counter-attacks in the second-half.

He’ll need to play well again if his side are to make further progress.

1874 team news

Striker Kyle Riley is suspended, but 1874’s management team have everybody else available for selection.

That includes midfielder Rory Fallon and versatile attacker Shelton Payne, who has returned to the club for a second spell.

Route to this round

1874 4R Pontefract (h) 3-1; 3R bt Ashton Ath (h) 2-0; 2R bt Tow Law (h) 5-1; 1R bt Irlam (a) 4-1; 2QR (r) bt Congleton (a) 1-0; 1QR bt Vauxhall Motors (a) 5-4 (aet)

Chichester R4 Horley (a) W2-1; R3 Whitstable (a) W2-0; R2 Deal Town (h) W3-0

Form (past six in all competitions)

1874 W W W W L W

Chichester W W W W W L

Most recent meetings

None; this is a first competitive fixture between the two teams

Essential information

When Saturday, February 3

Kick-off 3pm

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

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

Replay date Saturday, February 10 (kick-off 3pm)

Prize money Winners £2,250; Losers £750

Parking Free at the ground