Why should I watch..?

1874 Northwich will want to a return to winning ways ahead of a meeting with Northwich Victoria in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final.

They followed a 4-1 win against landlords Winsford United on Easter Monday with a narrow reverse in midweek at Barnton, where newly-appointed management duo Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison made five changes.

Host AFC Darwen still have something to play for, and a positive result will preserve their status at step five for another season.

Numbers game

Darwen completed a double over 1874 last season, a feat Northwich can match this time around if they collect maximum points this weekend.

A 4-1 win for the Salmoners over Squires Gate in midweek, their first after a six-match sequence without one, means they need only a point from their remaining matches to secure their spot in the North West Counties League’s top-flight for another season.

A 1-0 defeat for 1874 at Barnton on Wednesday marked the first time they have failed to score since Ian Street’s resignation last month.

Man to keep an eye on

Adam Whitlock

A graduate from 1874 Northwich’s under 21s team, the young forward has impressed after scoring twice against Winsford United in a 4-1 derby win on Easter Monday and then making his first start in the North West Counties League at Barnton in midweek.

A direct runner, who moves well off the ball and isn’t afraid to shoot at goal, he is hoping to impress enough to figure in the plans of management duo Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison next season.

1874 team news

Sam Hare (hip) is likely to sit out the game, but Mark Jones (ankle) and Tyler Edwards (groin) hope to play a part ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Vics.

Danny Thomas (eye) and Ryan Jackson (knee) are long-term absentees.

Most recent meetings

1874 3-0 Darwen (NWCFL Premier, August 27 2016)

1874 2-3 Darwen (NWCFL Premier, April 12 2016)

Darwen 3-1 1874 (NWCFL Premier, September 12 2015)

Form (past six league games)

Darwen W L D L L D

1874 L W L W D D

Standings

Darwen Pos18 P39 W9 D11 L19 F46 A97 Pts38

1874 Pos5 P40 W23 D7 L10 F76 A48 Pts76

Essential information

Date Saturday, April 22

Address The Anchor Ground, Anchor Road, Darwen, Lancashire BB3 0BB

Kick off 3pm

Admission Adults £5, Concessions (OAP) £3, Children £1