1874 NORTHWICH will attempt to protect an unblemished record against Hanley after winning each of the teams’ four previous meetings.

However all of them have been hard-fought, including a single-goal success in the return fixture earlier this season when Sam Hind was on target.

The rivals met three times during 1874’s inaugural season in the North West Counties League, which was also Hanley’s first year as members of the competition.

Mike Brandon’s last-minute leveller forced extra time in the sides’ first encounter, in a League Challenge Cup tie, three years ago.

He scored again shortly afterwards as 1874 progressed following a 3-2 win.

A league game at Barton Stadium two months later was similarly dramatic, with another Brandon goal inspiring a recovery from 2-0 down.

Further strikes from Steve Crane and Rick Bailey, before Brandon added gloss by completing a brace, sealed a 4-2 victory.

1874 should be wary of Theo Stair this weekend; the attacker has scored in each of his three previous appearances for Hanley against them.

After starting the current campaign at higher-ranked Nantwich Town, he returned earlier this month on loan.

Head to head

Saturday, September 17 2016

North West Counties League Premier Division

Hanley Town 0-1 1874 Northwich

Tuesday, March 24 2014

North West Counties League Division One

Hanley Town 1-2 1874 Northwich

Saturday, December 21 2013

North West Counties League Division One

1874 Northwich 4-2 Hanley Town

Saturday, October 5 2013

League Challenge Cup First Round

1874 Northwich 3-2 Hanley Town (aet)