Why should I watch..?

To see if 1874 Northwich can continue where they left off following a 2-0 win at home to Hanley in the league a fortnight ago.

A run of three successive postponements since has prevented them from attempting to extend a run of victories to nine.

The hosts planned to make changes for the original Macron League Cup second-round tie last month, but may change their mind this time around after a spell of inactivity.

Visitors Abbey Hulton, promoted to the North West Counties League from the Staffordshire County Senior League at the end of last season, are making their debut in the competition.

They arrive in Winsford out of form after winning only one of their past eight fixtures.

What they’ve said

“Our message to the players is unchanged; we want to still be in every cup competition by the turn of the year.

“It’s been frustrating not to play in the past couple of weeks because the lads have been ready to and of course buoyed by the winning run we’re on.

“We want to carry that on a little longer.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich have won eight successive matches in league and cup, and a ninth will set a new club record

Man to keep an eye on

Danny Thomas

A talismanic figure at the heart of 1874 Northwich’s defence in recent seasons, the popular defender has missed the whole of the current campaign to date with a knee injury.

A long period of rehabilitation has helped him return to health, and he will feature for the first time since an FA Cup tie against Northwich Victoria back in August.

1874 team news

Defender Danny Thomas is expected to make his first start since sustaining a knee injury in an FA Cup clash with Northwich Victoria on the opening day of the season.

Ryan Jackson is in the squad too as the next stage of his recovery since having surgery on his knee.

However Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison will wait to make a decision on the involvement of Danny Meadowcroft (foot) after suffered a knock in training.

Scott McGowan (hamstring) and Adam Whitlock (groin) are both fit.

Form (past six in all competitions)

1874 W W W W W W

Abbey Hulton L L L W L L

Most recent meetings

None; this is a first competitive meeting between the clubs

Essential information

When Tuesday, December 19

Kick-off 7.45pm

Address St Luke’s Barton Stadium, Kingsway, Winsford CW7 3AE

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

Parking Available for free at the ground