Why should I watch..?

1874 Northwich have already made history by reaching the FA Cup first qualifying round, but they do not want the run to end yet.

Mossley, from the Northern Premier League’s First Division North, will provide the sternest examination to date of a young side’s progress under Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison this season.

The Lilywhites also ran out 4-0 victors when the teams met in a friendly last month.

They start as favourites, but their guests arrive in town feeling optimistic after impressive displays at both of the previous stages.

In Scott McGowan, 1874 possess one of the North West Counties League’s most in-form players.

What they’ve said

“For some of our young lads, this will be the biggest game that they will have played in.

“It will be interesting to see how they handle that, but the evidence so far is that they’ll thrive in those circumstances.”

Paul Bowyer, 1874 Northwich co-manager

“Losing to Droylsden is our first setback of the season, and I told the lads in the dressing room afterwards that it’s how they respond this week that’s important.

“We played 1874 Northwich in pre-season, but the likes of Greg Hall, Scott McGowan and Kyle Riley weren’t playing then so they’ll be a different prospect.”

Peter Band, Mossley co-manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich are unbeaten now in their past 10 competitive matches, a sequence that started with a 3-1 win at AFC Darwen on April 22

Man to keep an eye on

Jack Pritchard

1874 Northwich are going to be tested aerially and physically in defence, and how the youngster – who has made an encouraging start to the campaign – copes with that alongside the more experienced Danny Meadowcroft will be important.

The former Congleton back-marker has so far overcome every obstacle put in his way since a summer transfer.

1874 team news

Taylor Kennerley and captain Matthew Woolley are both available again after missing last Saturday’s 2-0 win at home to Padiham.

Full-back Lee Jackson is also ready to return after sitting out the past two matches with an injury, while joint managers Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison will wait until the last possible moment to decide on whether Paul Connor (neck) will start.

Wide man Clevon Beadle is hoping to recover from an illness to feature.

Mark Jones (foot), Danny Thomas and Joe Woolley (both knee) are still ruled out, while Ryan Jackson has started a rehabilitation programme after knee surgery.

Route to this round

Mossley EPR Exempt; PR Glossop NE (a) 2-0

1874 EPR (r) bt Northwich Victoria (h) 2-0; PR (r) bt West Didsbury (a) 3-1

Form

Mossley L D W D W

1874 W W D D W W

Most recent meetings

This Saturday marks a first competitive fixture between the clubs

Essential information

When Saturday, September 2

Address Seel Park, Market Street, Mossley OL5 0ES

Kick off 3pm

Replay date Tuesday, September 5 (kick-off 7.45pm)

Prize money £3,000

Admission Adults £8, Concessions (OAP, Student, unemployed) £5, Under 18s £2, Under 16s Free