Why should I watch..?

To see if Maine Road can halt 1874 Northwich’s winning sequence in North West Counties League games at six matches.

The home team are resurgent, and have won three of four Premier Division fixtures since a five-goal drubbing at St Luke’s Barton Stadium in the return game shortly before Christmas.

However a side managed by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison has been in good form since too, and collected maximum points following a 4-1 win against AFC Liverpool last weekend.

Even a win tomorrow afternoon won’t be enough to rise into the table’s top-half though.

Matt Barnes’ men have won their past four league games at Brantingham Road, and rescued a 3-3 draw at Barnton last time out despite having to come from behind twice.

What they’ve said

“Maine Road have improved since we played them before Christmas, and even in that game I felt they played a lot better than the final score makes out.

“They had a lot of spirit, and had a bit of a go at us.

“Our lads aren’t daft, and they won’t got there expected to win 5-0 again. We put in a good performance that day, and will have to again.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich haven’t played an away fixture in the North West Counties League’s top-flight since a 3-2 win at Barnton on November 1

Man to keep an eye on

Mark Jones

The influential midfielder has still only made 12 starts in all competitions this season, and so is fresh to stamp his authority on matches.

A fluid 4-3-3 allows him to follow his instinct to get forward and arrive late into the penalty area safe in the knowledge that captain Matthew Woolley is stationed behind him.

1874 team news

Kyle Riley starts a three-match suspension as punishment for his dismissal in a Cheshire FA Senior Cup encounter with Altrincham.

Sam Hind (foot) and Adam Whitlock (ankle) are both ruled out by an injury, while winger Ryan Jackson is unavailable.

Newcomer Rory Fallon isn’t ready.

Form guide (past six in league)

Maine Road D W W W L L

1874 W W W W W W

Most recent meetings

1874 5-0 Maine Road (NWCFL Premier Division, December 23 2017)

1874 2-0 Maine Road (NWCFL Premier Division, April 11 2017)

Maine Road 1-1 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, January 14 2017)

Essential information

When Saturday, January 20

Kick-off 3pm

Address Brantingham Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 0TT

Admission Adults £5, Concessions £3

Parking Available for free at the ground and on nearby streets