Why should I watch..?

Witton have waited more than two years to play a game at this level, and return to the Northern Premier League’s top-flight buoyed by a record-breaking campaign last time out.

They have largely kept together a group that secure promotion from Division One South through the play-offs, save for the departures of midfield duo Bradley Bauress and Tom Owens.

Mickleover finished safely in mid-table last term under former Burton midfielder John McGrath, and will be looking to improve on a 16th-place finish.

The player-manager has signed a new two-year deal this summer, and has largely kept together a young squad.

What they’ve said

“It’s tricky at this time of year to get good information on opponents because nobody really shows their full hand in a friendly.

“Mickleover are no different, and they threw us a bit when we watched them; the formation they played was different to what had been reported to us.

“We’ll be as ready as we can b on the day, and we’ve a shape in mind that will help us to combat what we think they’re likely to do.”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

Numbers game

Witton have won on the opening day of the season in each of the past two seasons, although defeats against Ilkeston and Buxton have marked their most recent curtain-raisers in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight.

Mickleover haven’t lost their first league fixture of the campaign since a 3-2 defeat at Whitby Town seven years ago.

Man to keep an eye on

Micah Evans

Comparisons with Bradley Bauress, who scored 27 goals from midfield last season to earn a move to higher-ranked Barrow, are unfair given their contrasting skill-sets.

However the wide man will be expected to supply ammunition for a trio of attackers – Rob Hopley, Will Jones and Steven Tames – capable of firing Albion up the league table.

Witton team news

Manager Carl Macauley has reported a clean bill of health for his squad after Matty Devine, James Foley and Rob Hopley recovered from niggling injuries.

Nick Ryan could make his debut in the middle of defence alongside Anthony Brown, while fellow new recruits Micah Evans and Alex Newby are hopeful of doing the same out wide.

Remember when…?

Witton made their one previous visit to Mickleover for a league fixture?

Albion went down 2-1 against opponents that went on to be promoted from Division One South as champions, with Luke Powell smashing home a late consolation for Gary Finley’s men.

Alex Steadman had scored twice after the interval to put Sports in control.

Witton Baker (GK), Lloyd (Morgan 85), Warner, Pritchard (James 58), McAllister, Henry, Brown, Broadhead, Lamb, Powell, Maylett Sub not used Brodie

Most recent meetings

Witton 2-1 Mickleover (NPL Division One South, March 30 2010)

Mickleover 2-1 Witton (NPL Division One South, March 20 2010)

Essential information

Kick off 3pm

Address Don Amott Arena, Station Road, Mickleover, Derby DE3 9FB

Admission Adults £10, Concessions (OAP/Students) £6, Under 16s £2, Accompanied under 10s Free

Parking Free at the ground