Why should I watch..?
Witton, promoted from Division One South last season, are unbeaten in four matches to date.
Both of their away games have delivered entertaining draws, and they travel to Leicester buoyed by knowing they have returned home again as victors on each of their two previous visits to play a Northern Premier League Premier Division fixture.
Barwell played out a thrilling eight-goal draw with Rushall Olympic on home turf in midweek, which followed an impressive 1-0 win at Marine last Saturday.
The Canaries had trailed 2-0 on Tuesday, and thought substitute Matt Stenson’s goal in the third minute of stoppage time had pinched victory.
However their resilient guests had other ideas.
What they’ve said
“We have a game-plan to stop Barwell, and travel there confident that will help us to bring back three points.
“We’re unbeaten, but these boys set high standards and feel they could have won both our previous away games against Mickleover and Workington.
“That’s just the way they are. As a management team, our job on Saturday is to keep minds on the job and not to be distracted by the prospect of a big game against Altrincham on Monday.”
Gary Martindale, Witton Albion assistant manager
Numbers game
Witton have won 2-0 on both of their previous visits to Barwell to play a Northern Premier League top-flight fixture.
Man to keep an eye on
Calvin Hare
Witton’s goalkeeper has arguably been their best player in four games to date, and saved a penalty during a draw with Workington on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old, first-choice at Wincham Park following the departure of Danny Roberts to Belper, has made a string of impressive saves, and has two clean-sheets to his name already this term.
Witton team news
Full-back Matty Devine sat out Tuesday’s trip to Workington with a tight hamstring, and will be assessed before travelling tomorrow.
Winger Micah Evans has recovered from a sore calf, and was an unused substitute during a 1-1 draw in midweek.
Albion have also completed the signing of attacking midfielder Ben Greenop, who impressed during pre-season.
Remember when…?
Witton played for the entire second half with 10 men on their previous visit to Barwell, following Neil Harvey’s dismissal, but held on to an interval lead given to them by goals from Ben Harrison and Josh Hancock.
It was a victory that persuaded chairman Mark Harris, and Albion’s vociferous travelling support, to offer midfielder Anthony Sheehan the manager’s job following a successful caretaker spell.
The Guardian was there. To read how we reported it, click here.
Most recent meetings
Witton 2-2 Barwell (NPL Premier Division, February 14 2015)
Barwell 0-2 Witton (NPL Premier Division, September 6 2014)
Barwell 0-2 Witton (NPL Premier Division, April 19 2014)
Essential information
Kick off 3pm
Address Kirkby Road Sports Ground, Kirkby Road, Barwell, Leicester LE9 8FQ
Admission Adults £10, Concessions (over 60s and under 18s) £6, Under 16s £3, Accompanied under 11s Free
Parking Available for free at the ground
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