Why should I watch..?

1874 Northwich head to Victoria Park in optimistic mood following an FA Cup replay success against Northwich Victoria in midweek.

They will run into a host buoyed by a similarly-emphatic knockout success after Burscough ran out 3-0 winners at AFC Emley last weekend.

The Linnets are an unknown quantity following their relegation from the Northern Premier League’s Division One North at the end of last term, but they enjoyed an encouraging pre-season during which they scored 26 goals in half-a-dozen friendlies.

Goals are likely, then.

What they’ve said

“Burscough enjoyed a great win in the FA Cup, so they’re clearly no slouches.

“Like Vics, they’ll be a bit of an unknown to us because of the changes they’ve made over the summer.

“We can expect them to make it tough for us, that’s for sure, and may have to adapt how we respond to that during the game.”

Paul Bowyer, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich have won each of their opening day fixtures since being promoted to the North West Counties League’s top-flight.

That’s a sequence that includes victories at Congleton and AFC Blackpool either side of a home win against Squires Gate.

Meanwhile Burscough are playing a fixture at this level for the first time in 20 years following their demotion from the Northern Premier League at the end of last season.

Man to keep an eye on

Kazim Waite-Jackson

The teenager produced a moment of individual brilliance to double 1874’s lead in midweek, and it will be interesting to observe the impact that has on his confidence this weekend.

Matthew Woolley’s impressive diligence in midfield gives the former Congleton man the flexibility to move forward and express himself, something he’s done only in the briefest of flashes so far.

1874 team news

1874 will be forced to make at least two changes to a side that saw off Northwich Victoria in style during an FA Cup replay on Tuesday.

Paul Connor starts a three-match ban as punishment for his dismissal last weekend, and is likely to be replaced at full-back by Jack Lever.

Midfielder Jake Parker is unavailable, although Sam Hind is back after a holiday.

Mark Jones (foot), Danny Thomas (knee) and Joe Woolley (knee) are all unlikely to feature until next month at the earliest, while Ryan Jackson (knee) is awaiting surgery later this month to correct a long-term injury.

Most recent meetings

None

Essential information

Kick off 3pm

Address Victoria Park, Bobby Langton Way, Burscough, Lancashire L40 0SD

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £4

Parking No parking at the ground, use Tesco superstore next door