Pitch inspection (or not)

Why should I watch..?

To see if Northwich Victoria can strengthen their hold on a place in the table’s top 10 by extending an unbeaten run in the Premier Division to four matches.

Steve Wilkes’ men are targeting a double against Congleton too after a 3-2 victory in the return fixture.

Their leading goal-scorer, Brian Matthews, will be motivated as well to impress against one of his former clubs.

Congleton will draw level on points with their guests if they collect maximum points.

Brian Pritchard’s improving team has held Runcorn Town and beaten Hanley in their past four games, although they did lose at Runcorn Linnets last weekend.

The Bears’ home record is formidable though, and only Widnes have left Booth Street as winners since the end of August.

What they’ve said

“I was pleased to pick up a point [at Barnoldswick], and those that watched the game will agree the draw was earned by a rearguard action during the final 20 minutes.

“We go into every match looking to win, but considering who we had missing and the fact we’d not played for a fortnight I had reason to be happy.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

Numbers game

Congleton have lost only once in a league game in front of their own supporters since the start of September

Man to keep an eye on

Oscar Durnin

Has scored on each of his past two appearances, which has helped him to make an impression in the absence of Jay Hart.

A goal against Barlick last weekend helped to earn for his side a share of the spoils, and Liam Blades’ foul on him led to the defender’s dismissal in the same game.

Vics team news

Jay Hart is in the squad following a cameo as a substitute late in the second-half during last weekend’s draw with Barnoldswick.

Full-back Jordan Grant returns too after recovering from illness, but Kieron Kenny (thigh) and Yaw Gyimah (knee) are both ruled out by injury.

Meanwhile Daniel Johnson’s suspension, following his dismissal last time out, doesn’t start until next weekend.

Form guide (past six in league)

Congleton L D W W L W

Vics D W W L L W L

Most recent meetings

Vics 3-2 Congleton (NWCFL Premier Division, October 21 2017)

Congleton 0-1 Vics (Cheshire FA Senior Cup, March 10 2015)

Congleton 3-2 Vics (aet) (Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup, December 17 2013)

Essential information

When Saturday, January 20

Kick-off 3pm

Address Richborough Estates Stadium, Ivy Gardens, Booth Street, off Crescent Road, Congleton CW12 4DG

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £3, Accompanied under 12s Free

Parking On the street, next to Congleton Cricket Club