Witton have already despatched one higher-ranked opponent in the FA Cup this term, seeing off Buxton 3-0 a fortnight ago.

Carl Macauley’s men are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions, leaving them top of the Northern Premier League’s Division One South standings.

Their target this weekend though is to reach the third qualifying round for the first time since 2011.

Visitors Stablybridge occupy a place in the National League North relegation zone after losing nine of their 11 matches to date.

A new management team recorded a first victory against Gainsborough last week, but that has been followed by reverses at Halifax and then Harrogate.

Numbers game

Witton have met Stalybridge in the FA Cup on five previous occasions, winning the past four ties.

The most recent of those was a preliminary round encounter in 1976, when Alan Heathcote, Rob Wheeler and Steve Waywell – who scored an own goal – were on target for Albion in a 3-1 victory.

Man to keep an eye on

Anthony Brown

Albion’s defence has been reliable until now, conceding only four goals in seven games.

The former Burscough back-marker has added a solidity that will be tested by an in-form Andy Owens in Stalybridge’s attack this weekend.

He has scored three times since Steve Halford and Paul Phillips were appointed as joint-managers at Bower Fold at the start of the month.

Albion team news

Midfielder Karl Noon, on target in a 1-1 draw at Romulus last Saturday, is unavailable.

However Brad Bauress returns after missing that match, while Paul Williams is hopeful of featuring too after recovering from a groin strain.

Billy Reeves, so impressive during a temporary stay last season, is back at Wincham Park for another loan spell.

Striker Cameron Dalton (leg) is a long-term absentee, while on-loan front man Tolani Omotola misses out with an injury too.

Remember when…

It is 10 years since Witton Albion saw off Stalybridge in the Cheshire FA Senior Cup final, when a goal in each half from Mark Jones and Mike Moseley secured a 2-0 win.

Click here to see how the Guardian reported it.

Form (past six in all competitions)

Witton D W W W W W

Stalybridge L L W L L L

Essential information

Kick off 3pm

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

Replay date Tuesday, September 20 (7.45pm)

Prize fund £4,500

Odds (BetVictor)

Witton 13/8

Stalybridge 5/4

Draw 3/1