Why should I watch..?

To see if 1874 Northwich can respond to a defeat on Tuesday against Ashton – their first in a North West Counties League fixture since losing at Abbey Hey on October 17.

They had won 15 of their previous 16 matches in all competitions.

Saturday marks a maiden occasion for them hosting a league game in the town too after the fixture was switched to Wincham Park.

Runcorn make a short journey on the back of a disappointing run that has seen them win only one of their past half-dozen Premier Division games.

They were beaten in four of those too.

However Chris Herbert’s men looked more like their old selves during a 5-2 friendly success at Vauxhall Motors in midweek.

What they’ve said

“We didn’t play as well as we can [against Ashton], but perspective is important too – we can’t expect to play at the level we have been all the time.

“Our opponents deserve some praise too because they played well.

“We created chances, both before they went in front and later in the game, but perhaps lacked that clinical edge that we’ve had in previous weeks.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Runcorn failed to score a goal in any of their past four league game, and haven’t netted now in more than six hours of match play

Man to keep an eye on

Sam Freakes

The ex-Abbey Hey midfielder is in the squad this weekend, and where he fits into 1874’s formation will be interesting.

He is a player that was coveted by the club last summer, and they’re happy to finally get their man.

1874 team news

Sam Hind (hip) and Taylor Kennerley (foot) have both returned to training this week after nursing knocks sustained in recent matches.

New recruit Sam Freakes, a midfielder that has switched from Abbey Hey, is in the squad for the first time.

Management duo Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison have everybody else available to pick from.

Runcorn team news

Goalkeeper Adam Reid, promoted at the end of last season from the North West Counties League, is expected to make his debut for the visitors after signing on dual-registration terms.

Fellow custodian Andy Metcalf and Sam Henry have left this week so join Chester Nomads and Blacon Youth Club respectively.

However manager Chris Herbert is hopeful he will have leading goal-scorer Craig Cairns available again after injury ruled him out for the past three games.

Form guide (past six in league)

1874 L W W W W W

Runcorn L L L D W L

Most recent meetings

1874 3-2 Runcorn Town (NWCFL Premier Division, December 10 2016)

Runcorn Town 0-2 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, August 31 2016)

Runcorn Town 0-2 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, February 15 2016)

Essential information

When Saturday, February 17

Kick-off 3pm

Address Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

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

Parking Free at the ground