PAUL Bowyer will tell 1874 Northwich’s players not to focus solely on Tom Bailey during an FA Cup clash with West Didsbury & Chorlton tomorrow.

The front man was the leading scorer at St Luke’s Barton Stadium last season before completing a move to south Manchester over the summer.

He lines up against his former club for the first time in a preliminary round encounter, and on the afternoon of his 27th birthday.

“It’s an advantage when you know a player inside out,” said Bowyer, co-manager at 1874 with Wayne Goodison.

“We’ll be doing our best to disrupt the supply to him, and if we’re successful with that then he’ll have fewer touches of the ball.

“Tom did really well for us, but West Didsbury are a side that have other dangerous players.”

Northwich Guardian:

Tom Bailey established himself as a favourite among 1874 Northwich supporters after scoring 31 goals in all competitions during a single season at Barton Stadium. Picture: M Darlington Photography

The visitors travel to Winsford knowing they have never previously beaten 1874 in seven previous attempts.

One of those was in an FA Cup tie two years ago.

However Bowyer has cautioned against history being a guide as to what might happen on Saturday.

“Both teams have changed a lot in terms of personnel since we played each other last,” he added.

“I don’t think we can learn too much from those other games as a result, although if we can take the lead then perhaps there’s a chance old doubts will creep into their minds.

“They’ve improved their squad, and I said when the draw was made that we’d face a side with more quality than in previous years – one that like us is aiming to be at the top end of the table this season.”

Both sides took part in a six-goal thriller in midweek, when 1874 shared the spoils with Barnton at the same time West held Bootle.

Northwich twice let slip a lead against the Villagers, who had taken the lead inside 60 seconds.

Bowyer said: “We got ourselves into a good position, but didn’t make the most of it.

“We had chances to score again after we’d gone 3-2 up, but their goalkeeper made a couple of fantastic saves.

“It’s disappointing not to have picked up three points, although for me it’s entirely a positive that we’re continuing to create lots of chances.

“Barnton deserve credit too; their work-rate was phenomenal, and they never stopped running all night.

“West are a side that is renowned for scoring goals, although they’ve conceded one or two goals in midweek like we did.

“I expect an open game, and for both teams to try and get through at the first attempt.”

Should the scores end level on Saturday, then a replay follows on Tuesday night.