Why should I watch..?

To see if Winsford can halt the momentum gained by their hosts from an FA Cup success against higher-ranked opponents.

Blues are motivated though after they were stung by a last-minute goal from Irlam in a knockout encounter last weekend.

They’ll take heart from last season’s meeting, when the produced one of their best performances of the campaign, between the teams on this weekend 12 months ago.

However they will be greeted by different hosts – in terms of both personnel and mind-set – this time around.

What they’ve said

“We’ve got two important league games to focus on now before we play in the FA Cup again.

“I was really proud of the players in midweek; I think over the two games [against Widnes] that we just about deserved to go through.

“It’s only one win, but you could see what it meant to everybody associated with the club.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

“I’m interested to see how we bounce back after last weekend’s disappointment.

“There isn’t anything we can do about the FA Cup now, but we can make sure we react in the right way.

“And we’ll have to because Vics will be a difficult opponent.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United manager

Numbers game

Two meetings between the teams yielded nine goals last season, including five in a thriller at Barton Stadium in April

Man to keep an eye on

Will Foster

Winsford’s captain is tasked with marshalling a defence that can expect to be tested thoroughly by their opponents on Saturday.

They will be wary of a threat posed by Joel Brownhill, who was prolific for Vics during pre-season, and Rob Doran in the hosts’ attack.

A relationship with Steve Jenyons is still in its early stages, and there will be some relief in the Blues’ dressing room that the former Knutsford skipper is available after coming off during last weekend’s FA Cup defeat against Irlam.

Vics team news

Brian Matthews marked his return from an ankle injury with a cameo during extra-time when Vics played Widnes in midweek.

Billy Webb (thigh) still hasn’t featured yet though, while Matty Clarke (leg) isn’t expected to be ready until next month.

Winsford team news

Steve Jenyons (hamstring) has been passed fit, while Perry Bircumshaw (groin) is rated 50-50 to be involved according to manager Lee Duckworth.

Front man Tom Fisher has been ruled out by an injury sustained in training, while Jason Fowles and Scott Taylor are both unavailable.

Form guide

Vics W D L W

Winsford L D D

Last season’s meetings

Vics 0-4 Winsford (August 19, 2017)

Winsford 2-3 Vics (April 7, 2018)

Essential information

When Saturday, August 18

Kick-off 3pm

Address Witton Albion FC, Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s £2, Under 12s Free (if accompanied by paying adult)

Parking Free at the ground