Why should I watch..?

To see if Barnton can respond following their heaviest league defeat of the season so far at Widnes last Saturday, when they conceded seven goals.

The Villagers hope to at least restore pride when Irlam visit, something they did in their previous home game against Runcorn Linnets earlier this month.

They will need to improve on recent results against their guests this weekend following defeats in their past three meetings.

That includes a 4-0 reverse in the return back in October.

Irlam have slipped into the North West Counties League Premier Division’s bottom four following a run of six successive defeats.

However they did halt that sequence last time out when they edged out Burscough.

What they’ve said

“Our performance, as well as the result, at Widnes last week was unacceptable and we made that clear to the lads after the game.

“We came up against a top side who are bang in form, but the absolute minimum we ask is for us to compete.

“The frustration for us is that when we did, we nearly found a way back into the game.”

Steve Lloyd, Barnton manager

Numbers game

Irlam have lost six of their past seven league games away from home, including the past four

Man to keep an eye on

George Webster

The midfielder has been among Barnton’s best performers since the turn of the year, and has made a place in the starting line-up his own.

Steve Lloyd expects a response from his side following a dismal showing in a 7-1 defeat at Widnes last weekend, urging them to at least be competitive.

Webster can help them to be exactly that.

Barnton team news

Wide man Jack Irlam, on target in last week’s defeat at Widnes, has left Townfield to join Premier Division rivals City of Liverpool.

Adam Bayley returns to the squad to bolster the Villagers’ defence, while captain Jack McKay will have a fitness test before the game on an ankle injury.

Patrick Hamid is still suspended.

Form guide (past six in league)

Barnton L L L D L L

Irlam W L L L L L

Previous meetings

Irlam 4-0 Barnton (NWCFL Premier Division, October 7 2017)

Irlam 2-1 Barnton (NWCFL Premier Division, April 1 2017)

Barnton 0-2 Irlam (NWCFL Premier Division, August 22 2016)

Essential information

When Saturday, February 17

Kick-off 3pm

Address Townfield, Townfield Lane, Barnton, Northwich CW8 4LH

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s Free

Parking Limited at Memorial Hall next to ground entrance. Club advises spectators use Barnton Library on Townfield Lane