1874 resume their pursuit of rivals for promotion above them in the table when they host Ashton Athletic on Saturday.

They put behind them an embarrassing defeat to their landlords by putting six goals past Cammell Laird last time out, closing to within four points of leaders Runcorn Town.

Ashton have not won any of their past five North West Counties League matches, slipping to 14th in the table.

However they have collected more points away from home this season.

Numbers game

1874 registered a first victory, at the fifth attempt, against Ashton in April last year thanks to Stuart Wellstead’s hat-trick.

They are in form, winning five of their past six league matches, although a Boxing Day derby defeat against Winsford was a bruising one.

Ashton travel well, and are unbeaten in their past seven Premier Division fixtures away from home.

Man to keep an eye on

Paul Connor

Played as a wide midfielder, where he had first attracted the attention of 1874 Northwich while at Maine Road, during a substitute appearance last week.

And he impressed there too.

May fill in at full-back this weekend though with Mark Jones absent. Ryan Mitchell is likely to fill in alongside Danny Thomas in central defence.

1874 team news

Front man Jason Carey is available following his switch from Premier Division rivals AFC Liverpool.

Joe Woolley returns after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Matthew Woolley and Jack Woolley are back too after missing a 6-1 win at Cammell Laird last time out.

Mark Jones is unavailable, while Tyler Edwards (toe) is an injury doubt.

Wide man Ryan Jackson (knee) is a long-term absentee.

Remember when…

After SEVEN postponements, the teams played out a thrilling League Challenge Cup tie that went to penalties last season?

Danny Thomas flicked in a header for 1874, reduced to 10 men by captain Matthew Woolley’s dismissal, in the second half of extra time to make it 2-2.

However he then fluffed a spot kick in the shoot-out that followed.

Here’s how we reported it: http://bit.ly/2iksjHB

Most recent meetings

1874 3-1 Ashton Ath (NWCFL Premier Division, April 5 2016)

Ashton Ath 2-2 1874 (NWCFL Challenge Cup, February 13 2016)

Ashton Ath 4-0 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, October 6 2015)

Form (past six in league)

1874 W L W W W W

Ashton Ath L D D L D D W

Essential information

Address St Luke’s Barton Stadium, Wharton Road, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3AE

Kick off 3pm

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