Witton Albion take on Gresley for the first time in a Northern Premier League game eager to put behind them the frustration of successive postponements in the past 10 days.

Carl Macauley’s men have played only twice in Division One South since November 19, and have slipped to ninth in the table as a result.

The distance to Rushden in fifth place is six points.

Visiting Gresley have put behind them a run of five reverses by avoiding defeat in the past three games.

However only back-markers Loughborough have conceded more goals away from home.

Numbers game

Brad Bauress’ stoppage-time goal against Vics at Christmas preserved Witton Albion’s unbeaten record this season in front of their supporters.

The sequence now stands at 14 matches in all competitions.

Gresley do not travel well, and have failed to win any of their past seven Northern Premier League fixtures away from home.

Five of those ended in a defeat too.

Man to keep an eye on

Matty Devine

Often, appreciation for a player only manifests in his absence.

Devine was absent, serving a suspension, for a Boxing Day derby draw with Northwich Victoria.

Witton missed his ability to defend one-on-one, but more telling was their lack of forward thrust on the left – a feature of their attacking strategy.

Albion team news

Prince Haywood is unavailable due to work commitments, while leading scorer Rob Hopley starts a three-match ban.

However front man Steven Tames (ankle) is rated as ’50-50’ by manager Carl Macauley to make his return after recovering from an injury suffered a month ago.

Full-back Matty Devine and striker Tolani Omotola are available again after completing a suspension.

Form (past six in league)

Witton D W W L W D

Gresley D W D L L L

Essential information

Address Witton Albion FC, NetDec Stadium, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Kick off 3pm

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