Why should I watch..?

Why wouldn’t you?! It’s arguably the tie of the round.

Rather than repeat myself, here's a backgrounder on the context surrounding the game:

1874 have beaten Vics twice during 2017, both in knockout ties, although those meetings are less of a guide considering the changes in playing personnel at both clubs since the end of last season.

The visitors probably start as favourites, although that tag is less securely attached when it’s a derby prediction.

What they’ve said

“Maybe 1874 have a bit of an advantage and are ahead of us because they’ve signed new players and kept others that they want.

“We’re a little bit behind, but we’re working flat out to close that gap.”

Paul Moore, Northwich Victoria manager

“The task now is to play as we know we can when it matters, and that starts on Saturday.

“If there are any lads in doubt about what it means to play for this club, then they’ll find out then.”

Paul Bowyer, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

In three previous ties at this stage, 1874 have prevailed. Last season they saw off Barnton to progress.

Vics have played only once in an extra preliminary round tie all the way back in 1948. They won it thought, beating Ellesmere Port Town.

Man to keep an eye on

Olly Walker (Vics)

Could be one of the most intriguing signings of the summer by a mid Cheshire side.

The front man has returned to his native North West following a goals-laden spell at Newcastle University, where he has established himself as the institution’s leading all-time scorer with more than 100 strikes to his name.

A former junior at Tranmere Rovers, he is untested in non-league football, but could be Vics’ secret weapon.

1874 team news

Wide man Ryan Jackson (knee) is ruled out ahead of surgery later this month, while namesake Lee is unavailable.

Meanwhile management duo Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison will check on the fitness of midfield pair Mark Jones (bruised foot) and Joe Woolley (knee) before kick-off.

Kyle Riley, a striker signed on dual-registration terms from Glossop North End on Friday, has permission to play.

Vics team news

Paul Moore will be without new recruits Jake Pritchard and Lee Willis, who are both unavailable.

However Sam Marshall, whose arrival was announced on Friday morning, has been registered in time to feature.  

Remember when…?

Scott McGowan scored the only goal to separate the sides in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final back in April.

It meant the trophy stayed in 1874 Northwich’s possession for a second successive season.

Northwich Guardian:

1874 Northwich players celebrate after retaining the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup following a 1-0 victory against Northwich Victoria. Picture: M Darlington Photography

Most recent meetings

1874 1-0 Vics (Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup, April 25 2017)

1874 2-0 Vics (Cheshire FA Senior Cup, January 10 2017)

Essential information

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

Kick off 3pm

Replay date Tuesday, August 8 (ko 7.45pm)

Prize money £1,500

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £4, Under 16s £2, Accompanied under 12s Free

Parking Parking is strictly limited at the ground. Northwich Victoria are advising spectators to use available spaces at Barnton Library and at Barnton Primary School, both located on Townfield Lane.

A steward will be at the ground’s entrance to direct traffic.