Change of kick-off time

Why should I watch..?

To see if Barnton can take advantage of Abbey Hey’s miserable record on home turf in the league this season.

Their hosts have lost six of their nine Premier Division fixtures in front of their own supporters, and a solitary victory came against 1874 Northwich last month.

That is a direct contrast to their results on the road, which have included five wins.

Barnton have collected more points on their travels too, including their only victory of the campaign to date at West Didsbury & Chorlton last week.

Steve Lloyd’s side suffered a setback last weekend though when they succumbed to Burscough – a direct rival to avoid relegation – at Townfield.

What they’ve said

“I couldn’t have asked for more from the players [at Witton] in midweek.

“We set up to stifle their front players and try to hit them on the counter, something that worked until the final 10 minutes when we started to get overran.

“Witton had that little bit too much quality for us, and their strength in depth saw them through.

“We again created chances though, and with a bit of luck the closing stages might have been very different.”

Steve Lloyd, Barnton manager

Numbers game

Barnton still haven’t kept a clean-sheet this season, and this Saturday marks a 27th attempt to change that statistic

Man to keep an eye on

Chris Bandell

If Chris Smith is ruled out by injury, then the Villagers will again look to Bandell to spearhead their attack.

He has proven more than capable, and has 10 goals to his name this season.

Barnton team news

Defensive duo Andy Alston and Niall Ford are both available again after sitting out a 3-0 defeat at Witton Albion in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

Captain Chris Smith, the Villagers’ leading goals-scorer, and Brandon Moores will have fitness tests.

However Josh Crofts and George Webster have both been cleared to play after recovering from knocks sustained in midweek.

Goalkeeper Chris Jones has signed this week.

Form guide (past six in league)

Abbey Hey L W L W W L

Barnton L W L L L L

Previous meetings

Barnton 1-1 Abbey Hey (NWCFL Premier Division, April 10 2017)

Abbey Hey 3-2 Barnton (NWCFL Premier Division, September 27 2016)

Essential information

When Saturday, November 25

Kick-off 2pm

Address The Abbey Stadium, Goredale Ave, Gorton, Manchester M18 7HD

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

Parking Available for free at the ground