1874 Northwich players need only remember what happened last time they played Squires Gate if they need any additional motivation to beat them this weekend.

That’s the message from manager Ian Street ahead of Saturday’s meeting with a Blackpool outfit that inflicted a first defeat of the current campaign on his side back in August.

And it was an emphatic one too, with Danny Penswick’s side running out 4-1 victors.

They have made a habit of upsetting teams at the North West Counties League summit since, completing a double over Bootle and collecting a point from a trip to Runcorn Town on New Year’s Eve.

A 1-1 draw at Atherton Collieries is on a list of their creditable results too.

“We know better than anybody what they’re capable of,” said Street.

“I expect them to be energetic, and right up for beating us.

“They’ll test us more at the back [than Barnoldswick last weekend], and we have to be ready for that.”

He told the Guardian he had set a target for his players of at least nine wins from their remaining 14 matches to keep alive their hopes of being promoted as Premier Division champions.

However with a trip to fellow title-hopefuls Atherton Collieries looming next weekend, he will warn his side they can ill-afford to be distracted by that game.

“I’m constantly preparing their minds for what’s ahead,” he added.

“I’ve asked those lads who have been champions before if they still have the same hunger, and the others if they feel they have what it takes to go the distance.

“I’ll keep challenging them, asking them, and so far they’ve had the right answers.”

1874 are unbeaten since a Boxing Day derby defeat against landlords Winsford, winning four of the five matches since.

A 2-0 victory at home to Barnoldswick last weekend leaves them third in the table, two points adrift of leaders Bootle.

Street added: “I don’t mind if we’re front-runners or part of a chasing pack.

“To be in contention is what matters at this stage, and this is the first time we’ve properly been in the thick of it.

“I want these lads to enjoy that, not feel under pressure.

“There are some huge games to come, but I have to keep reminding them each one is only worth three points.”