1874 v Runcorn Town: preview

Without question, the match of the day in the North West Counties League’s top tier.

Runcorn have established a five-point lead at the table’s summit during a winning sequence that started in October, surprising everybody with their consistency this season.

Meanwhile 1874 Northwich kick off tomorrow’s game sitting fifth, eight points adrift of first place but with a game in hand on their guests.

A 4-2 win at New Mills last weekend has restored confidence following successive defeats in cup competitions, while new recruits in midfield Dahrius Waldron and Tyler Edwards have bolstered an already-strong squad.

Numbers game

1874 Northwich have an unblemished record against Runcorn, winning all five of their previous meetings in the North West Counties League.

However Town are in imperious form, collecting maximum points in each of their past nine Premier Division fixtures.

Only second-placed Bootle have scored more goals than Chris Herbert’s side.

Man to keep an eye on

Mark Jones

The versatile midfielder’s position on the pitch will be interesting.

He filled in for absent Ryan Mitchell in the heart of 1874 Northwich’s defence last weekend, a role in which he has excelled more than once during the current campaign.

With Danny Thomas suspended, he may do the same again.

1874 team news

Paul Connor starts a three-match suspension, while Danny Thomas sits out with a ban too.

Joe Woolley (hamstring) is ruled out by an injury, and Matthew Woolley is on holiday.

Ryan Mitchell is available again after missing last Saturday’s win at New Mills through illness.

Remember when…

The teams met for the first time back in August 2014?

Goals from Andrew Potter and Sam Houghton established a 2-0 lead for hosts Runcorn against promoted 1874.

Mike Brandon and Matthew Beadle scored in the space of three minutes to restore parity for Ian Street’s side, who later snatched all three points when the latter hammered in a decisive third goal with time running out.

Here’s how we reported it: http://bit.ly/2hsSomD

Most recent meetings

Runcorn 0-2 1874 Northwich (NWCFL Premier Division, August 30 2016)

Runcorn 0-2 1874 Northwich (NWCFL Premier Division, February 15 2016)

1874 2-1 Runcorn (NWCFL Premier Division, September 29 2015)

Form (past six in league)

1874 W W D L W W

Runcorn W W W W W W

Essential information

Address St Luke’s Barton Stadium, Wharton Road, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3AE

Kick off 3pm

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £4, Under 12s Free