Witton will attempt to beat higher-ranked opposition for a second time this season when Kettering visit Wincham Park on Saturday.

An impressive 3-0 win against Buxton in the FA Cup is one reason for Carl Macauley’s men to feel optimistic.

So is the fact they are unbeaten on their own pitch – a sequence of nine matches in all competitions – on their own pitch this season.

Albion have never previously played the Poppies in the FA Trophy, although four of their current squad – Matthew Devine, Anthony Brown, Paul Williams and Karl Noon – were part of a Burscough side that won 3-0 against Kettering at the same stage of last year’s competition.

Kettering arrive in Northwich buoyed by hammering Market Drayton Town (5-1) in the previous round a fortnight ago, a win they followed up by putting seven goals without reply past struggling St Ives in a Southern League top-flight fixture last Saturday.

However both teams required a penalty shoot-out to see off lower-ranked opponents in their respective county cups in midweek.

Numbers game

Albion are seeking to reach the third qualifying round for the first time since 2011, while their opponents’ most recent appearance at that stage of the competition was four years earlier.

Man to keep an eye on

Prince Haywood

The 24-year-old has demonstrated his versatility since returning to the side after suspension, filling in at full-back against Sandbach in midweek following an encouraging return to Witton’s midfield during their meetings with Colwyn Bay in the FA Trophy’s previous round.

Remember when…

Kettering’s most recent visit to Wincham Park was for a Football Conference fixture on January 15 1994, a season they finished as runners-up to Kidderminster in non-league’s top flight.

The Poppies ran out 1-0 winners.

Route to this round

Witton 2QR bt Colwyn Bay (h) 3-1 (replay); 1QR bt Brighouse (h) 5-2

Kettering 2QR bt Market Drayton (h) 5-1

Form (past six in all competitions)

Witton W L W D W D

Kettering W W L W L W

Essential information

Kick off 3pm

Admission Adults £9, Concessions (OAP) £6, Students £4, Under 15s Free

Replay date Tuesday, November 15 (7.45pm)

Prize fund £3,250