Why should I watch..?

All three meetings between the teams last season – two won by Barnton while the other ended in a draw – were entertaining goal-laden affairs.

And Saturday should be no different if current form is a guide.

Blues start the weekend occupying third place in the Premier Division table after winning three of their five matches to date, including a 2-1 victory at home to Widnes on Monday.

Barnton are still searching for a first win of the campaign, but make the short trip to St Luke’s Barton Stadium with confidence boosted by an encouraging performance at home to Congleton on Wednesday.

They have already performed well on the same pitch this term, coming from behind twice to secure a 3-3 draw with 1874 Northwich last month.

What they’ve said

“Barnton have had a tough start, just as they did last year.

“However I know Steve Lloyd and Mike Alcock really well, and we certainly won’t be taking them lightly – more so when you consider they’ve been a bogey side for us in the past.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager

“Winsford have flown out of the traps, and you can only admire their early-season form.

“It’s true that we matched up well against them during last season’s meetings, but that counts for nothing now.

“What is important is we impose ourselves on the game early.”

Steve Lloyd, Barnton manager

Numbers game

The three meetings between the teams last season in league and cup yielded 16 goals.

Man to keep an eye on

Chris Smith

The Barnton captain has picked up where he left off last season, and continued to pose threat at the point of Barnton’s attack.

Has five goals to his name already this season, including a crucial equaliser during a draw in midweek with Congleton at Townfield.

Winsford team news

Striker Jordan Johnson sits out for the final time after receiving a ban following his dismissal at Hanley last month.

Michael Koral is not ready to return after sustaining a muscle injury during a derby success against Northwich Victoria, while Brandon Moores (hamstring) is ruled out too after limping out of Monday’s win against Widnes.

Barnton team news

Goalkeeper Chris Davies and full-back Jordan Stafford are both unavailable, while long-term absentees Josh Crofts and Jonny Jones (both knee) continue to convalesce along with Villagers captain Jack McKay (ankle).

Form

Winsford W L W D W L

Barnton D L L D L L

Most recent meetings

Barnton 3-2 Winsford (NWCFL Premier Division, November 7 2016)

Winsford 3-4 Barnton (Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup, October 20 2016)

Winsford 2-2 Barnton (NWCFL Premier Division, August 29 2016)

Essential information

When Saturday, September 2

Kick off 3pm

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

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (OAP/under 21s) £4, Under 16s £1

Parking Available for free at the ground