Why should I watch..?

1874 Northwich will be motivated by the disappointment of letting slip at two-goal interval lead during a 2-2 draw on Tuesday with Congleton.

That followed a 4-2 derby reverse at home to Runcorn Linnets last Saturday.

They have played only a half-dozen Premier Division fixtures due to their exploits in the FA Cup and the FA Vase, and are keen to gather momentum in the league.

Widnes have demonstrated their resilience in the past seven days, following a stoppage-time leveller against Northwich Victoria last weekend by repeating the trick when they returned to Townfield to meet Barnton.

Those are encouraging signs for a newly-appointed management team, consisting of Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey, who pick the side for a home game for the first time.

What they’ve said

“We haven’t got into a groove at all yet with our league fixtures, and it’s important we do that before turning our attention to a big FA Vase game next weekend.

“I expect an entertaining game against Widnes at the weekend on a surface that will encourage both teams to play football. That suits us.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Scott McGowan made his 50th start for 1874 Northwich against Congleton in midweek, scoring both of the home team’s goals in a 2-2 draw at St Luke’s Barton Stadium

That takes to 33 his total for the club, including 11 in 16 appearances this term

Man to keep an eye on

Kazim Waite-Jackson

Likely to start in the enforced absence of Mark Jones and Jake Parker through injury and suspension respectively, the former Congleton midfielder has a opportunity to impress.

The 19-year-old has scored important goals when he has been on the field this term, and will be keen to remind supporters what he is capable of.

1874 team news

Midfielder Jake Parker serves a one-match suspension as a punishment for collecting five cautions.

Mark Jones (groin) sits out, while a decision on whether Danny Meadowcroft (back) features will be made as late as possible.

Clevon Beadle is likely to be ruled out by a knock suffered during Tuesday’s draw with Congleton, while defender Ryan Mitchell (Achilles) is not yet ready to make a first appearance since returning to the club from City of Liverpool.

Scott McGowan (ankle) is ok.

Form guide (past six in league)

Widnes D D L W W W

1874 D L DW D W

Most recent meetings

This weekend marks a first meeting between the teams to date in a competitive fixture

Remember when…?

1874 Northwich borrowed the Select Security Stadium in Widnes to host a league cup game?

Faced with a fixture backlog and with the playing surface in Winsford affected by a period of poor weather, they switched to an alternative venue to host promotion-rivals Formby.

It worked a treat, and they progressed to the next stage after Michael Brandon’s header, from Matthew Ward’s cross, separated the sides.

The Guardian was there, and our report is here.

Essential information

When Saturday, October 14

Kick-off 3pm

Address Select Security Stadium, Lower House Lane, Widnes WA8 7DZ

Admission Adults £5, Concessions £3, Under 16s Free when accompanied by an adult

Parking Available for free at the ground