Why should I watch..?

It’s pretty simple really; this is Witton Albion’s biggest game of the season so far.

After finishing as runners-up to Shaw Lane in the Northern Premier League’s Division One South, they can only be promoted back to the Premier Division by winning the play-offs.

It’s a path they are familiar with after beating Farsley and then Curzon Ashton to do the same five years ago.

Their opponents are attempting to reach the highest level they have played at since the club was formed in 2011.

Numbers game

Witton finished a whopping 25 points clear of AFC Rushden & Diamonds, a margin that would have been wide had Albion not suffered a deduction.

They completed a double too over Andy Peaks’ men last month, winning both meetings by the same score without conceding.

Visitors Rushden have been significantly better on their travels this term, collecting an impressive 39 of their 71 points on the road.

However an impressive record has been spoiled slightly by defeats on three of their past five away days.

Man to keep an eye on

Prince Haywood

Where Carl Macauley stations the influential midfielder will be fascinating.

Has arguably performed best in a central position while deputising for either Paul Williams or Tom Owens, but it is inconceivable that duo won’t resume their partnership if both are fit.

If Haywood starts on the right, the Witton boss must pick two from Rob Hopley, Will Jones or Steven Tames to play in attack.

Witton team news

Goalkeeper Calvin Hare (side) remains manager Carl Macauley’s biggest injury concern, although he has an able deputy in Danny Roberts.

The former Norton United number one has played the past three matches, conceding only once.

Anthony Gardner (hamstring), Tom Owens (calf) and Paul Williams (hamstring) all came through Saturday’s win against Sheffield, a game defender Scott Lycett sat out while nursing a knock.

Albion’s manager is confident though he will have everybody to pick from.

Most recent meetings

Witton 2-0 Rushden (NPL Division One South, March 28 2017)

Rushden 0-2 Witton (NPL Division One South March 7 2017)

Form (past six league games)

Witton W W W L W D

Rushden W D W L W L

Standings

Witton Pos2 P42 W31 D6 L5 F100 A41 Pts96 (three points deducted for fielding ineligible player)

Rushden Pos5 P42 W20 D11 L11 F73 A52 Pts71

Essential information

Date Tuesday, April 25 2017

Address Wincham Park, Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6DA

Kick off 7.45pm

Admission Adults £9, Concessions £6, Students (NUS) £4