Why should I watch..?

To see if Witton can be more clinical in front of goal than during a draw with Farsley Celtic, a rival for a promotion play-offs place, on Thursday.

Carl Macauley’s men performed well in midweek, and they will be hoping that that a victory against Stafford Rangers can help them to close a gap to the Northern Premier League Premier Division’s top five.

Farsley have a testing home date with second-placed Warrington tomorrow.

Albion’s form at Wincham Park is much-improved, and they have taken maximum points from five of the past six league games there.

Stafford’s stated aim is a top 10 finish, something they were on course to achieve before defeats against promotion-chasing Grantham and Ashton either side of a goalless stalemate with Halesowen.

What they’ve said

“Our task is harder, but not impossible.

“Maybe we need to win all our games, and rely on others to take points away from teams around us. But that can happen.

“For that reason we’ll carry on and try to beat Stafford.

“If I continue to get performances from these players like the one on Thursday, then I’ll be happy.”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

“We haven’t been consistent enough; we haven’t put away our chances on too many occasions and that is something for us to sort out – and the club and the next manager here will have to sort out for next year.”

Neil Kitching, Stafford Rangers manager

Numbers game

Witton have won five of their past six Northern Premier League matches at Wincham Park, a sequence they must extend to keep alive their hopes of contesting the promotion play-offs

Witton team news

Defender River Humphreys is a doubt after limping off during the second-half of Thursday’s game at Farsley Celtic after aggravating a groin injury.

Prince Haywood, left out in midweek, is available for selection while Witton are hoping that teenager Owen Dale came through his cameo as a substitute unscathed after returning from a groin strain.

Stafford team news

Boro hope to have defender Jordaan Brown available again after he missed a 1-0 defeat at Ashton United through illness.

Meanwhile front man Kyle Perry, a substitute for that game, is pushing Tyrell Waite for a starting berth in attack.

Man to keep an eye on

Nick Ryan

Stayed solid after replacing injured River Humphreys in midweek, and will take the latter’s place should he not be passed fit.

Should visiting manager Neil Kitching pick Kyle Perry in attack, then their aerial battle could be one to watch.

Form guide (past six in league)

Witton D D W L L W

Stafford L D L W D W

Most recent meetings

Stafford 0-4 Witton (NPL Premier Division, September 9 2017) Report

Stafford 2-2 Witton (NPL Premier Division, March 8 2014) Report

Witton 5-0 Stafford (NPL Premier Division, October 26 2013) Report

Remember when…

Stafford last visited Wincham Park for a Northern Premier League fixture…?

Witton scored four goals inside the opening 20 minutes on their way to a 5-0 victory, concluding a month in which they were unbeaten in Premier Division fixtures.

Danny Andrews sent them on their way before doubles for strike pair Dave Walker and Neville Thompson completed a rout of opponents that would be relegated at the end of the season.

The Guardian was there. Here’s how we recorded what happened: Witton 5-0 Stafford: match report

Odds (bet365)

Witton 8/11

Draw 3/1

Stafford 5/2

Essential information

When Saturday, April 14

Kick-off 3pm

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

Admission Adults £10, Concessions (OAP/Students) £7, Under 18s £3, Members of HM Armed Forces Free

Parking Free at the ground