Why should I watch..?

The contrasting fortunes of the teams so far this term, despite there being three levels between them, has persuaded some observers to predict an upset.

1874 Northwich have already eliminated a higher-ranked opponent in the previous round when they saw off Mossley after a replay.

They are unbeaten in 13 competitive matches, a sequence that started at the back end of last season.

The Villagers can only dream of such a run, and occupy last place in the National League North after losing eight of 11 games so far.

A 6-0 reverse in midweek at home to Spennymoor was a further blow to fragile confidence.

What they’ve said

“We won’t change our approach, although if we’re as sloppy in defence as we were last weekend then we’ll be knocked out.

“However if we can find the form that we showed [against Mossley] in the last round, then I think we can cause them problems.

“It has a feeling of a big occasion, and for our young players that will be a great experience.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

“A win could really kick-start our season and give us some confidence.
“But games like this are real ‘banana skins’.

“1874 Northwich are a new club, and we will probably be the highest-placed side they have played in a competitive game.

“They’ll be up for it, and will give everything.”

Steve Housham, North Ferriby manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich have earned close to £7,000 in prize money to date this season from four wins in the FA Cup and FA Vase

A big game for

Matthew Woolley

1874’s captain will need to be a calming influence in the biggest game most of his teammates will have played in.

He sets the tempo, as well as the tone, for a young side from the centre of the field.

1874 team news

Leading goal-scorer Scott McGowan (hamstring) is fit to take part after he was left out of last weekend’s FA Vase first qualifying round success at Vauxhall Motors as a precaution.

Danny Thomas resumed training this week, the latest stage of his recovery from a knee injury sustained on the opening day of the campaign.

However like fellow long-term absentees Mark Jones (foot) and Joe Woolley (knee), he is still not ready to make a return.

North Ferriby team news

Newcomer Yannick Gomes, a midfielder, is available for selection. However on-loan Darnelle Bailey-King is ineligible.

Influential midfielder Russ Fry (hamstring) is among those ruled out by injury, as is captain Steve Brogan.

Route to this round

1874 1QR (r) bt Mossley 2-0; EPR (r) bt Northwich Victoria (h) 2-0; PR (r) bt West Didsbury (a) 3-1

North Ferriby EPR Exempt; PR Exempt; 1QR Exempt

Form (past six in all competitions)

1874 W W D W W D

North Ferriby L L L D L D

Most recent meetings

Sunday marks a first competitive fixture between the clubs

Essential information

When Sunday, September 17

Address St Luke’s Barton Stadium, Kingsway, Winsford CW7 3AE

Kick-off 3pm

Replay date Tuesday, September 19 (kick-off 7.45pm)

Prize money £4,500

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £4, Under 16s Free