CARL Macauley harbours mixed emotions ahead of this afternoon’s derby encounter with table-toppers Northwich Victoria.

His players were buoyed by their display in a 1-1 draw with title-chasing Warrington Town on Boxing Day, when a point was the minimum prize their performance deserved.

However it will have left them tired too.

In contrast, Vics had an afternoon off after their meeting with Trafford was postponed.

“It’s a big ask for us,” said the Albion boss.

“They’re in form like Warrington, and they have a bigger squad [than we do].

“Their legs will be fresher, and that gives them an advantage.”

However the former Marine manager knows his side has momentum, something he wants to continue for as long as possible.

Witton are unbeaten in three Evo-Stik Northern Premier League matches – their best run of results this season – and have lost only one of their past half-dozen games in all competitions.

It leaves them three points adrift of a place in Division One North’s top half.

He said: “We were the better side, no question.

“They nicked a point, and their manager [Shaun Reid] was delighted they got away with a draw after not performing.

“That didn’t make me feel any better mind!

“But we feel positive, especially after carrying on from where we left off at Brighouse. That was important.

“Our performances are improving, but the biggest difference for me is in the group’s spirit; everybody is together – you could see that after we scored.

“That’s something we want to carry into Monday’s game.”

Macauley has been boosted by Liverpool agreeing to extend goalkeeper Andy Firth’s stay for a third month.

The 19-year-old has impressed during nine starts so far.

“It’s a massive bonus for us to keep him,” added Albion’s manager.

Witton lost 2-1 against Vics when the teams met in August.

However only three starters from that game – Anthony Gardner, Danny Andrews and Alex Titchiner – are still at the club.

A fourth, Jon Dawson, was a second-half substitute.

Vics, who have three games in hand on Warrington, occupy top spot in the table on goal difference after winning 16 of their 18 fixtures to date.

Kick-off is 3pm.