Why should I watch..?

A case can be made for it being the match of the day in the North West Counties League’s top-flight.

Bootle are unbeaten during October, collecting seven points from three Premier Division fixtures before a thrilling victory at Rossington in the FA Vase last weekend.

The Bucks have risen to third in the table, although a distance to leaders Runcorn Town – who have two games in hand – is nine points at kick-off tomorrow.

1874 have failed to win any of their past five league games, although they travel to Merseyside buoyed by their own impressive away win at Irlam in the FA Vase – their 13th knockout tie of the campaign.

That has left them playing catch-up in the league, and they enter the weekend occupying 20th place in the standings.

What they’ve said

“Bootle is not an easy place to go and get a result.

“We had two good, close games against them last season, and I’m expecting similar this time around – their approach is like ours; positive, and always looking to win.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich are unbeaten in six previous league meetings with the Bucks, although four of those have ended in draws

Man to keep an eye on

Ryan Mitchell

The defender a mature performance during his side’s win at Irlam in the FA Vase last weekend – a first start since returning to the club.

In the continued absence of Danny Meadowcroft and Danny Thomas, he will take on responsibility for marshalling 1874’s back-line.

And that’s a role that is particularly important against free-scoring opponents.

1874 team news

Paul Connor begins a four-match suspension as punishment for his second dismissal of the campaign.

Danny Meadowcroft (back) is unlikely to feature, but full-back Lee Jackson (hip) returns after sitting out the past two games with an injury.

Attacker Sam Hind is available again too.

Form guide (past six in league)

Bootle D W W L W D

1874 L D D L D W

Most recent meetings

1874 1-1 Bootle (NWCFL Premier Division, April 1 2017)

Bootle 0-0 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, October 25 2016)

Bootle 2-3 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, December 19 2015)

Remember when…?

Matthew Beadle scored twice for 1874 to help secure a narrow 3-2 win when they visited Merseyside for a Premier Division encounter two years ago?

Two goals inside five minutes at the start of the second half led to Ian Street’s side assuming control after Beadle had cancelled out Jackson Ellis’ early striker in the opening period.

However Tom Peterson applied a tidy finishing touch to Josh Hamilton’s pass as Bootle made the closing stages uncomfortable for their guests.

It was an afternoon that also marked a debut for goalkeeper Greg Hall following his switch from Glossop North End.

The Guardian was there. To read how we reported it, click here.

Essential information

When Saturday, October 28

Kick-off 3pm

Address TDP Solicitors Stadium, Vesty Road, off Bridle Road, Bootle, Liverpool L30 1NY

Admission Adults £5, Concessions £2, Accompanied under 16s Free

Parking Available for free at the ground