FAR from having nothing to play for, 1874 Northwich are about to start the most important week of the season.

So says their assistant manager.

First up, a derby with Winsford United tomorrow, Monday.

And on Wednesday follows a Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup tie against Barnton.

For the victor, a crack at higher-ranked Witton Albion in the final.

“It’s a big few days,” said Paul Bowyer.

“We always want to do well against Winsford; it’s a derby, and our supporters always want to win those.

“At the back of our minds too is a chance to win some silverware, and we can get closer to doing that if we can win on Wednesday.”

Steadily, and also significantly, 1874 are recapturing their best form.

They have lost only one of their past five league matches, producing probably their best performance of the season so far in a 1-1 draw at title-chasing Colne last weekend.

Fourth in the table, nine points adrift of Atherton Collieries ahead of them, a repeat of last term’s third-place finish is possible if not probable.

Bowyer said: “We can’t win the league, but we can still achieve plenty in the matches we’ve got left.

“I thought we were fantastic [against Colne] and, if we’re honest, ought to have beaten them. We had enough chances.

“It’s lifted the lads’ confidence to play that well in a big game, and they were buzzing afterwards.

“Of course, after proving they can hit those heights, we expect to reach them more often – that’s the challenge.”

1874 beat Silsden 2-1 in midweek, when Matthew Beadle’s goal four minutes from time settled the outcome.

They have put seven goals without reply past Blues in two previous meetings this term, and saw them off too last Easter.

But Bowyer admits he is unsure what to expect from Winsford.

“They’re up and down, and therefore unpredictable,” he said.

I think 3-0 flattered us last month, when they had a few lads missing.

“They’ve had a good run since, including a win away at Squires Gate. We lost there, remember.”

Captain Matthew Woolley starts a four-match suspension, so will watch from the stand.

George Riley stands by.

Craig Farnworth has recovered from illness, and is available, while former Winsford attacker Matthew Ward plays his final league game of the campaign.

Kick off is at 3pm.