Why should I watch..?

If not for the same reasons, both teams could certainly benefit from a win.

Witton have won only one of their past five matches in all competitions – a 2-0 success away to Runcorn Town in the Cheshire FA Senior Cup.

Carl Macauley said following a 3-3 draw with Matlock on Saturday that he is seeking a catalyst ahead of a testing run of games in the Northern Premier League before the turn of the year.

Barnton, buoyed by registering a first victory of the season in the North West Counties League last Tuesday, had newly-bolstered confidence dented again when they lost to a direct rival at the weekend.

Burscough won at Townfield with 10 men, leaving the Villagers to prop up the Premier Division table.

What they’ve said

“We’ll field a strong side, and show Barnton respect like we do every opponent.

“It’s important that we get a result to give us a lift ahead of a trip to Whitby.

“Not only that, it’s an opportunity for us to help key players coming back from injury by giving them time on the field.”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

“We’re smarting after Saturday’s defeat, and this game is a perfect opportunity to let go a little.

“We’re rank outsiders, but the lads are hungry to take on Witton Albion – for us that’s something to savour and we’ve got everything to gain on the night.”

Steve Lloyd, Barnton manager

Numbers game

Witton haven’t won this competition since 2009 when Kieran Lugsden’s double secured a 2-0 win against Congleton in the final

Man to keep an eye on

Matty Devine

The full-back hasn’t featured for Witton since a 1-0 win against Workington on October 10, a game in which he aggravated an existing hamstring injury.

Albion hope the 24-year-old’s latest enforced absence has been long enough to repair the damage.

Witton team news

Carl Macauley has promised to run the rule over defensive duo Matty Devine (hamstring) and Michael Wilson (ribs) after they came through a training session on Thursday – the latest stage of their recovery from injury

He has everybody else available, although may rest certain individuals ahead of a long trip to Whitby Town on Saturday.

Barnton team news

Full-back Jordan Stafford returns after a suspension, but Jack Woolley (ankle) and new recruit Andy Alston (hamstring) are ruled out by an injury.

Manager Steve Lloyd hopes to have captain, and leading goal-scorer, Chris Smith available to face his former club after he limped out of Saturday’s defeat against Burscough.

Adam Coleman, Adam Bayley and Ryan Malone, who was missing against the Linnets due to work commitments, are back again.

Route to this round

Witton Exempt until semi-finals

Barnton 1R bt Northwich Victoria (h) 7-4

Form (past six in league)

Witton D D L W W L

Barnton L W L L L L

Previous meeting

Barnton 1-3 Witton (Cheshire FA Senior Cup First Round, January 11 2017)

Essential information

When Tuesday, November 21

Kick-off 7.45pm

Address Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £5, Concessions (Disabled/OAP) £3, Under 18s (inc students) £1

Parking Available for free at the ground