Why should I watch..?

Improving 1874 Northwich are attempting to win a third successive away game to continue their climb up the league table.

A victory would also be the perfect way to start a week in which they host Macclesfield for the first time in a Cheshire FA Senior Cup encounter.

That tie is followed by a meeting with Tow Law in the FA Vase next Saturday.

A side managed by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison is gathering momentum after a five-game run without a Premier Division victory.

Hosts Barlick had picked up 10 points from the previous 12 on offer before crashing to a 4-1 defeat at Burscough in midweek, making them the first opponent to lose to the lowly Linnets in a league game this term.

Their home record this season is poor; they have lost five of seven league fixtures in front of their own supporters.

What they’ve said

“Barnoldswick is always a difficult place to get a result, but we’re trying to get on a roll and a third away win in a week would be an ideal way to sign off before a couple of cup games.

“We had to show our character to come through the games at Bootle last Saturday and then Barnton [on Wednesday], and will probably have to do so again this weekend.”

Paul Bowyer, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich will record a fourth successive victory for the first time this season if they can collect maximum points

Man to keep an eye on

Mark Jones

The midfielder made only his third league start of the campaign in midweek, his sixth in total, but is growing in strength with every game.

He is enjoying the freedom to make forward runs offered by Matthew Woolley sitting deep in 1874’s midfield three, and continued to do so deep into the second-half of a 3-2 win against the Villagers.

Northwich have toiled on recent visits to Barnoldswick, and his drive could make the difference.

1874 team news

Taylor Kennerley serves a one-match ban, and joins suspended full-back Paul Connor on the side-lines.

Jack Lever (knee) is ruled out by an knock sustained during a 3-2 win at Barnton in midweek, although the defence will be bolstered by Danny Meadowcroft’s return after injury.

Jake Parker (Achilles) will not be risked though after aggravating an existing complaint against the Villagers.

Connor Arrowsmith and George Jones have been promoted from the club’s under 21s as cover, while Clevon Beadle returns too.

Form guide (past six in league)

Barlick L D W W W L

1874 W W L D D L

Most recent meetings

1874 2-0 Barlick (NWCFL Premier Division, February 4 2017)

Barlick 2-2 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, September 3 2016)

Barlick 2-1 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, January 23 2016)

Essential information

When Saturday, November 4

Kick-off 3pm

Address Silentnight Stadium, West Close Road, Barnoldswick, BB18 5LJ

Admission Adults £5, Concessions £3, Under 16s Free

Parking Available for free at the ground