Why should I watch..?

To see if a derby victory against Winsford United can be a catalyst for 1874 to start a winning run.

Ryan Mitchell’s goal in the fifth minute of added time settled a close encounter with Blues, and propelled Northwich to eighth in the North West Counties League Premier Division table.

They travel to Manchester to take on hosts that have lost only one of their past eight games in all competitions, and who have prevailed in six of their past seven.

That sequence includes a 2-1 success in the return at St Luke’s Barton Stadium.

However 1874 prevailed at Silver Street in an FA Vase first-round encounter back in October.

What they’ve said

“It felt like a big win [against Winsford] after the final whistle.

“A draw wouldn’t have ended our season or anything drastic, but a victory does give the lads a lift and a reward for how they’ve performed in the past couple of games.

“Of course we hope now that can kick-start a little run.”

Paul Bowyer, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Irlam had failed to beat 1874 Northwich on any of their five previous attempts before a 2-1 victory at St Luke’s Barton Stadium last month

Man to keep an eye on

Sam Freakes

His introduction as a second-half substitute against Winsford did have an impact, and he played in two positions during a half-hour spell on the field.

A straight swap initially for Rory Fallon, who had occupied a space in front of Mark Jones and Matthew Woolley in central midfield, he switched to the left wing when the home team went with a 3-5-2 formation later on.

1874 team news

Lee Jackson (dead leg) is unlikely to feature after sustaining an injury late on during Thursday’s victory against Winsford United.

Matthew Russell and Ben Woods are alternatives at left-back.

Jake Parker (knee) is still not yet ready to return, while Ryan Jackson (foot) is definitely out after his involvement at Hanley last week ended early.

Form guide (past six in league)

Irlam W W W L W D

1874 W D L D L W

Most recent meetings

1874 1-2 Irlam (NWCFL Premier Division, March 29 2018)

Irlam 1-4 1874 (FA Vase First Round, October 21 2017)

Irlam 0-1 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, November 5 2016)

Essential information

When Saturday, April 7

Kick-off 3pm

Address The Ambitek Stadium, Silver Street, Irlam, Manchester M44 6HR

Admission Adults £5, Concessions £3, Under 16s £1, Under 11s Free

Parking Available at the ground