Why should I watch..?

1874’s reaction to losing in the way they did to former league foes Colne, during an FA Cup replay in midweek, will be fascinating.

Ian Street’s side, no doubt desperate to react in the right way, will be wary of losing twice to AFC Darwen in league meetings last season.

They have happier memories of doing their own double when the teams were rivals in Division One three years ago.

Numbers game

Following their exit at the preliminary-round stage of last year’s FA Cup, 1874 won only one of their next half-dozen league fixtures.

They can ill-afford a repeat this time.

Darwen, their guests this weekend, have conceded 20 goals in five matches to date this term – a wince-inducing average of four per game.

Unsurprisingly, they prop up the rest of the Premier Division as a result.

Man to keep an eye on

Greg Hall

1874 Northwich’s goalkeeper has endured a mixed start to the season, as epitomised by his performance against Colne in midweek.

After conceding a penalty, when he misjudged a bouncing ball before fouling Matthew Beadle, he produced a stunning save to tip over Joe Garvin’s volley.

1874 team news

Mark Jones (ankle) is out after limping off during the first half of Tuesday’s replay. However Rick Bailey (shin) and Sam Hind (groin) are in the squad.

Danny Thomas is available again, while Neil Chappell sits out for the final time after receiving a three-match ban as punishment for his dismissal on the season’s opening day.

Most recent meetings

1874 2-3 Darwen (NWCL Premier Division, April 12 2016)

Darwen 3-1 1874 (NWCL Premier Division, September 12 2015)

Darwen 1-4 1874 (NWCL Division One, March 19 2014)

Form (all competitions)

1874 L D W L W W

Darwen L L L L D

Essential information

Kick off 3pm

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (OAP/NUS) £4, Under 12s Free