Why should I watch..?

Two of the form teams in the North West Counties League top-flight meet at Pavilions.

Hosts Runcorn responded to the disappointment of an FA Cup exit by winning four of their first five Premier Division fixtures, including the past three.

Striker Craig Cairns is a man in form after scoring nine goals to date.

1874 Northwich have won three from four in the league, themselves recovering from a knockout blow during a replay with Colne to down Darwen on Saturday.

Numbers game

1874 Northwich have won four successive league meetings with Runcorn since they were promoted to the Premier Division in 2014.

Man to keep an eye on

Scott McGowan

Rewarded with a first start since a summer switch from neighbours Congleton on Saturday, the front man repaid Ian Street’s faith with a late double in a 3-0 against Darwen.

A series of lively cameos from the substitute have endeared him quickly to 1874’s supporters too, and the aggressive striker will be eager to strengthen his hold on a place in the starting line-up while fellow attacker Sam Hind works his way back to full fitness from a groin injury.

1874 team news

Neil Chappell is available again after serving a three-match suspension as punishment for his dismissal in an FA Cup clash on the season’s opening day.

Mark Jones (ankle) is not ready to return, while Ryan Jackson (knee) misses out after sustaining an injury on his return to action with 1874 in Saturday’s win against Darwen.

Most recent meetings

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

1874 2-1 Runcorn (NWCL Premier Division, September 29 2015)

1874 3-0 Runcorn (NWCL Premier Division, March 24 2015)

Form (past six all competitions)

Runcorn W W W L W W

1874 W L D W L W

Essential information

Address Pavilions, Sandy Lane Runcorn WA7 4EX

Kick off 7.45pm

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (OAP/NUS/U16) £3, Accompanied under 16s Free