Why should I watch..?

1874 Northwich lost to Runcorn Linnets on their return to league duty on Saturday, and their response will be fascinating.

They have already eliminated Congleton, who hired Ian Street as manager in the summer following his departure from St Luke’s Barton Stadium, from the FA Vase this season.

However they needed two attempts to do so.

The Bears have won only one of six previous Premier Division meetings between the two teams, although that was in last season’s corresponding fixture.

What they’ve said

“We weren’t close to the levels we’ve reached previously [when we played Runcorn on Saturday].

“Linnets were ruthless, but we gave them a helping hand.”

Paul Bowyer, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Congleton have yet to win, or keep a clean-sheet, on their travels in the North West Counties League this season

Man to keep an eye on

Danny Meadowcroft

There is no question that 1874’s defence feels less secure without him, as proved by Runcorn Linnets scoring four times inside an hour during his absence from Saturday’s league game.

With long-term absentee Danny Thomas not yet close to a return, and Ryan Mitchell nursing an Achilles injury, the 32-year-old’s know-how is even more valuable.

1874 team news

Mark Jones (groin) is unlikely to feature, but Danny Meadowcroft (back) is hopeful of a return after missing Saturday’s defeat at home to Runcorn Linnets.

Paul Connor is ok too after his withdrawal during the interval of the same game.

Ryan Mitchell (Achilles) is not yet ready to feature after returning to the club from City of Liverpool, while Danny Thomas and Joe Woolley (both knee) are long-term injury absentees.

Form guide (past six in league)

1874 L D W D W

Congleton W L W D L D

Most recent meetings

Congleton 0-1 1874 (FA Vase second qualifying round replay, September 26 2017)

1874 1-1 Congleton (FA Vase second qualifying round, September 23 2017)

Congleton 1-4 (Cheshire FA Senior Cup preliminary round, November 1 2016)

Familiar faces

1874 Northwich could include three former Congleton players – Lee Jackson, Jack Pritchard and Scott McGowan – in their starting line-up.

Kazim Waite-Jackson was also with the Bears last term before switching to St Luke’s Barton Stadium.

Supporters of the home team may recognise the faces of Neil Chappell, Martin Hill, Steve Foster, Jason Carey and Jamie Tandy on the visitors’ team-sheet.

Essential information

When Tuesday, October 10

Kick-off 7.45pm

Address Barton Stadium, Kingsway, Winsford CW7 3AE

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (OAP/Students) £4, Under 16s Free

Parking Free at the ground