Why should I watch..?

To which of two teams in need of an upturn in fortune can get one.

1874 Northwich travelled to Runcorn Town last weekend buoyed by recording a first victory of the campaign in midweek only for a disputed penalty decision to gift to their hosts an opportunity to score a decisive goal.

They did, and the visitors will travel in Chorlton tomorrow with four defeats to their name in eight North West Counties League fixtures.

Upon arrival they will be greeted by hosts who have lost their past four games in all competitions, including a 4-1 defeat at Congleton last time out.

Front man Tom Bailey is ruled out by a long-term injury, adding his name to a long list of absentees that has added to manager Steve Settle’s problems.

What they’ve said

“There were plenty of positives to take from our performance at Runcorn last weekend but once again we weren’t clinical enough when we created opportunities to score.

“Had we done, then we’d likely have been out of sight before a penalty decision later that ended up costing us the game.

“There will be changes this weekend, some of them enforced, and that will give certain players an opportunity to stake their claim for a place.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

West ended a 10-match wait to beat 1874 Northwich when the teams met in last season’s corresponding fixture

It’s an important afternoon for…

Ben Woods

The attacking full-back has returned to West following a second spell with 1874 Northwich.

He made his debut in a 4-1 defeat last weekend at Congleton Town, who chose him afterwards as their opponents’ best player.

The 21-year-old will be keen to make an impression against his former club.

1874 team news

Work commitments rule out Ryan Mitchell again while Sam Hind and Lee Jackson continue to be unavailable for the visitors.

Mark Jones is on holiday.

However 1874 will be able to select Jack Irlam following his transfer from Runcorn Town while Kyle Riley returns after playing the past three games for Knutsford to rediscover sharpness.

There is a call up too for Lucas Weir from the club’s under 21s team.

Matthew Beadle has returned from his honeymoon, but is unlikely to be involved this weekend.

Form guide (past six league games)

West L L L W D L

1874 L W L D L D

Last season’s league meetings

West 2-1 1874 (April 21 2018)

1874 1-0 West (November 18 2017)

Essential information

When Saturday, September 22

Kick-off 3pm

Address Recreation Ground, off Brookburn Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 8FE

Admission Adults £5, Concessions £3, Accompanied under 12s Free

Parking Available for free within the club’s grounds