Why should I watch..?

What happens in the teams’ first meeting will set the tone for a second leg seven days later.

1874 Northwich have proven they can prevail in knockout matches on their travels following victories at Leighton, Irlam, Congleton Town and Vauxhall Motors on a record-breaking run to the semi-finals.

They can expect a more formidable test against opponents that have progressed through five of the six stages they’ve played at in front of their own supporters.

Thatchan’s home record in the Hellenic League’s Premier Division is formidable too – they have scored on average more than three times in their 15 games at Waterside Park to date.

What they’ve said

"1874 have bags of experience and know-how with a front three that that can hurt you.

“They’re all good in the air at the back, while their full-backs have pace.

“They are a top quality side, and if you blink and stick your chin out they will knock you out.”

Danny Robinson, Thatcham Town manager

“While watching them, Thatcham reminded me of Pontefract – who are the strongest team we’ve played against so far.

“Their style is similar; they try to play football and get possession to their front players.

“We can learn from the things we did well in that game against Pontefract, and try to repeat them [on Saturday].

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Thatcham are unbeaten in their past 27 matches in league and cup, a sequence that started with a 1-1 draw at Bracknell on October 28

Man to keep an eye on

Greg Hall

On an afternoon when 1874 Northwich want to be defensively sound, their goalkeeper has a part to play.

He was assured during the early stages of last month’s quarter-final at Leighton, and made a fine save to prevent Alex O’Brien from opening the scoring.

Has had his best season for the club since signing from Glossop North End, for whom he played at Wembley in the 2015 FA Vase final.

1874 team news

Midfielder Sam Freakes is ineligible after appearing for Abbey Hey in the first qualifying round of this year’s competition.

Meanwhile winger Adam Whitlock has been prevented by work commitments from travelling.

Management duo Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison have everybody else available to pick from.

Path to this stage

Thatcham QF Melksham (a) 1-0; 5R Bromsgrove Sporting (h) 2-1; 4R Biggleswade (h) 2-1; 3R Sevenoaks (h) 3-1; 2R Broadbridge Heath (h) 8-2; 1R Horsham YMCA (h) 2-1    

1874 QF Leighton (a) 1-0; 5R Chichester (n) 1-0; 4R Pontefract (n) 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)

Form (past six in all competitions)

Thatcham W W W W D D

1874 L W W L W L W

Most recent meetings

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

Essential information

When Saturday, March 17

Kick-off 3pm

Address Waterside Park, Crookham Hill, Thatcham RG19 4PA

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s £1

Second leg Saturday, March 24 (kick-off 3pm) (at Witton Albion FC)

Prize money Winners £5,500; Losers £1,750