Why should I watch..?
How both teams react to disappointing FA Cup defeats in front of their own supporters – Witton bowed out against South Shields while Marine succumbed to Ashton United – will be fascinating.
There are sub-lots aplenty.
Albion boss Carl Macauley comes face-to-face with a club that sacked him in February 2015, while Marine’s assistant manager Tony Sullivan left Wincham Park at the end of the same season following the club’s relegation from the Northern Premier League’s top-flight.
A host of players take on their former clubs too.
James Foley departed Crosby for Northwich in the summer, joining former Marine men Matty Devine, Calvin Hare and Will Jones.
Meanwhile John Shaw, Michael Brewster and Scott Bakkor have played for Witton in recent seasons.
What they’ve said
“We have to improve, and to learn when we lose.
“But my message to the players is that we’ve come against two good sides in the past week that have been better than us on the day.
“That doesn’t take away from the good things we’ve done until now, and we shouldn’t be downbeat about it.”
Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager
“I feel we played some of our best football so far this season in the first half [against Ashton United], but we have to take our chances.
“If we keep making opportunities, then goals will follow.
“Don’t forget it’s a new group of lads, and we need a little patience.”
Tommy Lawson, Marine manager
Numbers game
If selected, Matty Devine will make his 50th start for Witton since signing from former league rivals Burscough last summer.
Man to keep an eye on
Anthony Brown
Assuming he is passed fit – he was a second-half substitute in a 3-1 defeat against Ashton United on Saturday – then Marine front man Danny Mitchley will pose a considerable threat.
Meanwhile Scott Bakkor, an ex- Witton striker who has recently joined the Crosby-based outfit, will be desperate to put one over on his old club.
That means the Albion captain will have his hands full marshalling a defence that so far this season has been solid.
Witton team news
Full-back Anthony Gardner (ankle) is ruled out after he was on the receiving end of Carl Finnigan’s hefty tackle during last Saturday’s defeat in the FA Cup against South Shields.
However Ben Hedley and Rob Hopley, both unavailable at the weekend, return to the squad.
Remember when…?
Marine most recently visited Wincham Park to play a Northern Premier League fixture?
A 3-1 win for Witton was followed by the announcement of Brian Pritchard’s resignation as manager to a stunned social club following the final whistle.
Danny Andrews scored his 50th goal in Albion’s colours to set them on a course for victory, which was secured by strikes from substitute Iain Howard and Jon Dawson in the second half.
Aaron Burns’ late penalty was only a consolation for the away side.
The Guardian was there. Click here to read how we reported it.
Form guide (league)
Witton L W D W W D
Marine L W W L W L
Most recent meetings
Marine 0-1 Witton (NPL Premier Division, January 1, 2105)
Witton 3-1 Marine (NPL Premier Division, August 25, 2014)
Marine 2-1 Witton (NPL Premier Division, December 14 2013)
Odds
Witton 4/5
Draw 35/12
Marine 16/5
Essential information
When Tuesday, September 5
Kick off 7.45pm
Address Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA
Admission Adults £10, Concessions (OAP/Students) £7, Under 18s £3, Members of HM Armed Forces Free
Parking Free at the ground
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